Robert Ynes Rivas

VISTA – Robert Y. Rivas passed away at the age of 70 on Saturday, August 24, 2019.  He enjoyed living an active lifestyle, which included running, racquetball, hiking, golf, and watching his beloved 49ers.  He spent his life serving the community.  In his youth, marched with fellow brothers and sisters to bring awareness to the inequities of the Latino population. 

In Nevada, he founded the Hispanic Committee for Quality Education.  This committee served to emphasize the dire need of educating our youth, in order to improve employment opportunities. 

In northern California he founded, and directed, a university Hispanic theater group “Teatro Los Rayos del Valle”.  Teatro went on to perform several social plays.  In the following years, he was credited with building meaningful and successful programs for children at the Boys and Girls Club, in San Joaquin County. 

More recently, in San Diego County, he founded Encuentros Leadership.  This organization enlightens young Hispanic males, to the importance of pursuing a higher education.   A lot of people are not fortunate enough to recognize their passion.  Robert was intuitive enough to sense his calling at an early age.  He was also brave enough to sacrifice the corporate ladder in order to change lives.  It was in following this path, which finally led him to a greater sense of happiness and fulfillment.

Robert was charismatic, humorous, compassionate, and he lived life to the fullest.    He made an impact in each life he encountered, and every one of us will feel the void of his loss deeply.  Robert will forever be cherished by his family and friends, and will be sorely missed.

A service for family and close friends will be held on September 5, 2019.  He will be interred at Fallbrook Masonic Cemetery on September 6, 2019..

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