Dennis Patrick Rivers
June 26, 2017
Dennis Patrick "Butch" Rivers (77)
April 24,1940-June 26th, 2017
Butch Rivers was born April 24th, 1940 in Omaha, NE to Jonny and Delma Rivers who had five children total. Soon afterwards they moved to Camdenton, MO where Jonny had the "Golden Horse Ranch" and produced many wild west shows. Butch being the oldest son, was the star of many oh Jonny's shows. He went on to have a brilliant solo career as a Roman Rider and horse trainer in the Lipizzan Stallion Show. He then moved to Ocala, Florida as a PRCA rodeo hand and contestant who also brought his golden palomino acts to many arenas across the country. A seasoned animal trainer and stuntman, he worked on many films and commercials over the years. He also trained (along side Glenn Randall) the original equine cast of Orlando's Arabian Nights. He was a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), The International Stuntman's Association (ISA), and The Professional Rodeo Cowboy's Association (PRCA). He is survived by his sisters Sharon Hobbs and Nancy Capps, and brothers Bill Rivers and Tim Rivers. He was a great father with three daughters and a son, all with families of their own; Daughters Kimiley Rivers, Tesha Fredrick, Dawnita D'elia, and son Deke Rivers. He passed quietly in his sleep June 26th, 2017 from complications of kidney failure. He made his mark on the world, and will surely be missed!
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Condolences to the family and many friends who will always hold Butch close to their hearts. Blessings, Darlene
I just now learned of Butch's passing as I thought of him after learning of another friend's passing. Butch was in Columbus Ohio in 1963 and after the rodeo at the fair he signed autographs and chatted about rodeo. I turned to horses myself a few years later and ended up in rodeo myself and always thanked him for introducing me to the wonderful world of horses when I was but a teenager. Rest in peace Butch. May your family be consoled knowing his love for you and his imprint on the world. Bless you all.