Donald Gene Rivera

Donald Gene Rivera, 67, of Great Falls, MT, passed away on Thursday, February 10, 2022, while surrounded by the love of his life and his children.Honoring Don’s request not to have a funeral, a celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Don was born on August 3, 1954, to Louis and Marie (Palagi) Rivera, in Great Falls, Montana. Don spent his whole life in Great Falls, graduating from Great Falls High School in 1972. Don—better known as Donnie to anyone he met through his work in the automotive industry—found his niche while working for his father at Riverside Automotive & Machine, staying at Automotive Machine for 25 years before finding his true home at NAPA in 2005, where he worked as an outside salesman. The 16-plus years Don worked for Mark Doll and Wally Thormahlen were the best years of his working life, driving around visiting his customers, solving their problems, and B.S.ing with his wide circle of automotive friends. After a brief marriage right after high school to Cindy Ramsted, Don met Deborah “Debbie” Blalock and they fell in love, marrying in August 1979. Years later, Don shared that he didn’t really want to have children of his own but was thankful that God had other plans for him. He found his true calling when Amber was born in January of 1980. Don was a natural dad who was also happy to welcome Kelly in March of 1982 and Brittney in December of 1984. After his separation and subsequent divorce from Debbie, Don continued to be a remarkable dad, never allowing his children to see the struggles he surely endured as a single parent. Looking back, Amber, Kelly, and Brittney don’t feel as though there was ever a time when they didn’t have everything they ever needed—and more. Don was, unquestionably, the best dad ever. On September 3, 1993, Don was lucky enough to marry the love of his life, Denise (Messman) Rivera, gaining two more daughters, Rani and Rachel. A short time later, they added Tasha to their brood. Their beautiful life together often resembled an extended episode of The Brady Bunch. Six kids meant a lot of activities, and the family traveled frequently for sporting events. Don was always there to support and coach them in everything from soccer, football, and volleyball to softball, wrestling, and BMX. His commanding voice was a constant presence at their events, cheering them on. Anyone involved in BMX during the many years his kids raced will remember his deep bass booming across the track: Riders Ready? Pedals Set? GATE! As the kids grew up, Don and Denise were able to enjoy their empty nest, though whenever any of their children needed extra support, Don would say, “This will always be your home,” and he and Denise welcomed them for however long they needed to stay. He was always available to help the kids whenever they needed anything, whether they had vehicle trouble, needed his muscle to move something, or wanted his expertise to fix a recipe. If they called on him, he was there. Over the past nearly 29 years, Don and Denise (affectionately referred to as his travel agent) were lucky enough to enjoy many vacations together to Glacier Park, Mexico, Belize, Alaska, the Grand Canyon, North Carolina, Boston and Cape Cod, Las Vegas, and their favorite place on Earth (other than Great Falls), Hawaii—particularly Maui during whale season.Additionally, sharing a love of all things music, Don and Denise attended countless concerts together, once being referred to as the hippest parents ever. In 2004, Don gained his proudest title, Grandpa, when Kelly welcomed his first child. Over the next 16 years, he was blessed with 15 more grandchildren. Before long, Don could once again be found at all kinds of sporting events, cheering loudly, always his grandkids’ biggest fan. Those who knew Don knew that one of his favorite things in life was family night, when he and Denise welcomed any combination of children and grandchildren, sometimes having as many as 30 people over for dinner, drinks, and a (far too loud) gab fest. He was incredibly thankful to have his entire family in one town. Don was, unquestionably, the best grandpa ever. Don had many hobbies and interests that brought joy to his life. His gardens—particularly his annual tomato garden—were always tended to meticulously in hopes he’d have an abundant crop to share with his children and friends. Cooking wasn’t rocket science, as he’d say, but those who were lucky enough to eat anything he made would insist he was, indeed, a culinary scientist.Don loved planning an annual Christmas cookie day for the grandkids to make and decorate cookies for Santa. He looked forward to the annual trip to Seeley Lake to spend the week on the beach reading with his wife, chatting and drinking with his children, and playing in the water and sand with his grandchildren. Also, Don never encountered a gun raffle ticket he didn’t want to buy. We will forever find comfort in memories of Don—our husband, our dad, our grandpa—and the knowledge that he is spending his time with his beloved golden retriever, Lucky; hunting and drinking with his son-in-law Damon; and likely getting into more than his fair share of trouble with his brother, Denny. Don is survived by the love of his life, Denise; daughter Amber Rivera Heck and her children Kylor, Kason, Khloe, and Koroa; son Kelly Rivera (Victoria Torrez) and their children Caprianna, Carter, and Cazdyn; daughter Brittney (Justin) de la Garza and their children Landon, Paydon, and Madilyn; daughter Tasha (Brandon) Hueth and their children Hinsley, Ryott, Dehlylah-Rae, and Verity-Jean; daughter Rachel (Kelvin) Bateman and their children Connor and Holden; daughter Rani Blalock, bonus daughter Shannon Quinn, and their cats Lucy and Linus; former father-in-law Papa Jule Blalock; numerous sisters and brothers, both by birth and by marriage; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Marie Rivera; brother Dennis Rivera; beloved son-in-law Damon Heck; ex-wife Debbie Rivera; father and mother-in-law Gale and Ida Messman; former mother-in-law Shirley Blalock; and two brothers-in-law.