John RIVA

RIVA, John It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Riva at the Rockyview Hospital on November 10, 2007. John was born in the Canmore Hospital on May 14, 1937. He was involved throughout his life in hockey, first as a player, then as a coach and fan. After working in Alaska, he was employed in the oil patch as a geologist. John then became an instructor at SAIT for thirty-five years until his early retirement due to illness in 2002. John lived his life with integrity and compassion; his independent spirit and love of life and family, good food and music will live on in all who know him. His honesty, determination, and fairness made him the best father, grandfather and husband. Lovingly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Avis of forty-three years; daughter Valery (Brad) Brown; son Scott; granddaughter Celeste Marin; sister Dorothy Riva; brother-in-law Gordon (Megan) Mackey; mother-in-law Anna Mackey; his niece and nephews as well as his numerous grandnieces, grandnephews and good friends. John was predeceased by his parents, Mike and Celeste Riva. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Foothills, Rockyview and Carewest centers for their excellent care and compassion. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, No. 200, 119 - 14 Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1Z6. A Funeral Service will be held at FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 - 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen's Park Cemetery) on Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.mem.com . FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME and CREMATORIUM. Telephone: 297-0888. Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial www.fostersgardenchapel.comPublished in the Calgary Herald from 11/12/2007 - 11/13/2007