Victor A. Rivas

Victor A. Rivas, 84, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2024, at Knapp Medical Center, leaving a legacy of love for his family and community. He was born on December 23, 1939, in Weslaco, Texas.

Victor's childhood was marked by resilience as he worked alongside his parents and siblings as migrant farmworkers. His journey began in the fields of Texas, but for half of the year, the Rivas family traveled all over the country. The work was not easy, but the experience significantly impacted Victor. He developed a strong work ethic, understood the importance of education, and visited many states and landmarks along the way. 

Victor completed elementary school through eighth grade in Weslaco, Texas. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1963. While serving his country, Victor traveled more and continued educating himself. He was certified as an Armored Personnel Carrier M-113 Driver and Vehicle Commander’s School in 1964. 

While stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado, he met his future wife, Laura Alice Gallegos. Victor was honorably discharged on July 15, 1965. He and Laura were married the following day. They began their life together and moved to Weslaco, Texas. Victor went to work in construction, where he was part of the team that worked on the first major Highway 83 in the Rio Grande Valley. After three years, Victor, his beloved wife Laura, and their infant son moved to Michigan. They began a new chapter in their lives, establishing their roots in Pontiac, and later moved to the suburb of, Waterford, Michigan, to raise their son and daughter. 

Victor embarked on a career with General Motors in Michigan, where he started welding as a line worker. His unwavering work ethic and commitment to excellence enabled him to work in various other departments and positions. He later completed Apprentice Training, leading to his promotion to Quality Control. Victor was one of the first people at General Motors to use a computer. While many were intimidated by technology, Victor was enthusiastic about the challenge. After twenty-eight years of dedicated service, Victor retired, leaving behind a foundation of hard work that inspired his family and coworkers.

Victor always emphasized the value of education to his children. He led by example, attending Pontiac Community Education School District, where he earned honors status and his high school GED in 1976 while working full time. He understood the value of lifelong learning and encouraged his children to do the same. 

Throughout his life, Victor deeply respected his heritage and took great pride in his culture. While living in Michigan, he was a member of the Sociedad Mutualista Mexicana in Pontiac, Michigan. He had many friendships, there and at General Motors. Many of those were with people originally from the Rio Grande Valley. This association brought him immense joy and camaraderie. Some of his closest friends from Weslaco, Homer and Carmelo Tamez were also members of this club, known as “La Lomita.” 

Victor had a lively personality, a friendly smile, and laughed often. He made many friends, but his best friend was Greg Jasso from Pontiac, Michigan. Victor had a passion for music, particularly boleros by Trios like Hermanos Martinez Gil and Trio Los Ponchos. Victor loved to dance. He and his wife, Laura, were often the first couple on the dance floor and danced to almost every song the band played. He also enjoyed the simple pleasures of bike riding with his family and grandchildren. Another pastime was barbecuing. He cherished moments spent with loved ones and created invaluable memories.

Victor embodied the spirit of patriotism, always presenting himself with dignity and pride. He will be remembered for his achievements, the love he shared with his family and friends, and the values he instilled in those who knew him. He was also a faithful Catholic and had a deep affinity for Saint Michael. 

Victor is preceded in death by his parents, Guadalupe and Manuela (Amador) Rivas; siblings, Rufina Rodriguez, Juanita Silva, Susana Rivas, Lucia Lopez, Bartolo Rivas, Guadalupe Peña, and Santiago Rivas Sr.; granddaughter, Laura Alicia Champion, nephews, George Silva, Ruben Rivas, Christina Rivas, and Santiago Rivas Jr. and niece Barbara Rivas. 

He is survived by his wife, Laura A. Rivas; daughter, Dr. Virginia Rivas Champion (David Jr.); son, Victor Rivas Jr. (Sandra Ortiz); grandchildren, Sydney A. Rivas, Oscar Rios, Victor H. Rivas, and David Anthony Champion; brother, Guadalupe Rivas (Rosa), numerous nieces and nephews. 

Victor A. Rivas will be profoundly missed by all whose lives he touched. His visitation will be held on December 3, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at McCaleb Funeral Home in Weslaco, with a Holy Rosary at 7:00 PM. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Donna, Texas, on December 4, 2024, at 9:00 AM, with burial to follow at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission, Texas, at 11:00 AM with full military honor guard. 

As we celebrate Victor's remarkable life, we cherish the memories of his strong spirit, his love for music and dance, and the indelible impact he has left on our hearts.