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John Rivers
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John Paul Rivers, 72, of Modesto died Tuesday, Nov. 2 at his home.

Born in Madera, he had lived in Modesto for 40 years. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and had worked for the State of California for 26 years, first with Water Resources, and then with the Youth Authority.

He retired in 1991 from Northern California Youth Corrections where he was Director of Procurement. He was a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels for seven years and belonged to Saron Lutheran Church, where he was on the property committee. He enjoyed sports, home improvements, music and was happiest when helping others.

Survivors include his wife, Harriet Rivers of Modesto; two daughters, Susan Engstrom of La Grange and Barbara Rivers of Modesto; seven step-children, Dennis Nard of Fresno, Nancy Morgan of Los Angeles, James Nard of Modesto, Lisa Ryan of Fair Oaks, Brenda Nard of Salem, Oregon, Celia Richardson of Modesto and Maureen Nard of Sacramento; and 10 step-grandchildren, Angelina Kuo of Davis, Jennifer Nard of Edinburgh, Scotland, Jamie Nard of Modesto, Sara Richardson of Modesto, Andrew Nard of Modesto, Megan Ryan of Fair Oaks, Jake Gordon of Salem, Oregon, Hal Gordon of Salem, Oregon, Lindsay Ryan of Fair Oaks and Lily Gordon of Salem, Oregon.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Frankie Rivers, and his parents, Paul and Mildred Rivers.

Services will be Friday, Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. at Saron Lutheran Church, 1742 North St., Escalon. Burial will be at Burwood Cemetery, Escalon. No visitation.

Remembrances may be made to Saron Lutheran Church, 1742 North St., Escalon, CA 95320; Community Action Resources of Escalon, P.O. Box 1, Escalon, CA 95320; or Canine Companions for Independence, P.O. Box 446, Santa Rosa, CA 95402-0446.

Deegan Funeral Chapel in charge of arrangements.

The Escalon (Calif.) Times

Nov. 10, 2004