Michael Peter Riva

Michael Peter Riva, 74, passed away peacefully at home Sunday, Jan. 25. He was born May 10, 1940, in Hanna, Wyo., to Armas (Unk) and Myra (Waisanen) Riva. His family settled in Svensen, Ore., in 1947. He attended Knappa schools, graduating from there in 1959.

He began his career in school doing tree planting for the forestry. After graduation, he worked for Bumble Bee Seafoods (CRPA) in several capacities before getting hired full-time as a longshoreman May 1, 1966. He suffered a major on-the-job injury in December 1970. After three surgeries and seven years he returned to longshoring, from which he retired in 1998.

Mike married Kathy Urell Oct. 13,1961. They honeymooned in Lake Tahoe and Reno, setting the stage for many more vacation trips there. They enjoyed camping, road trips, cruising and playing poker. Mike also liked carpentering, and built a cabin on their private camping property. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Astoria Moose, Sons of the American Legion, and Seaside Elks.

He is survived by his wife Kathy; daughters Jamie (Jon) Bue and Mindy Riva; granddaughters Ashley (Jason) Kraushaar, Hilary Bue, and Megan and Erin Johns; great-grandsons Tanner and Tallen Kraushaar and great-granddaughter Abigail Johns McKey; sisters-in-law Vicki Westerlund and Robinette (Bob) Williams; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

At his request, a celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Moose Lodge, 408 17th St. Contributions may be made to the Maritime Memorial Wall or the ILWU Scholarship Fund of Astoria High School.