Nicanor "Dad" Rivera , 67, passed away in rural Burlington on Saturday, February 11, 2023. Nicanor was born on May 10, 1955, in Guagua, Pampanga, Philippines, to Conrado and Terosita (Dayto) Rivera. In 1972, Nicanor earned an Automotive Mechanic degree from Angeles City University, and married his soulmate, Helen Domondon in 1974.

From 1974-1980 Nicanor worked for Diamond Hotel, a family-owned business in Angeles City, Pampanga and Clark AB from 1980-1981. In May 1981 Nicanor decided to build a home in Tondol Anda, Pangasinan for his growing family by working in Saudi Arabia for nearly 10 years as an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker). Upon returning to the province of Tondol Anda in 1990, Nicanor worked construction and bought a custom-made fishing boat he named "Shark." Soon after, Nicanor operated six individual powered engines for motorboats, and one was custom ordered and shipped from Saudi Arabia.

His love for automotive mechanics led him to purchase a specialized harvesting engine used to increase the speed of rice farming called (kuliglig). Next, Nicanor purchased 3 Russi motorcycles and had one customized and operated by his son, Ariel, for a transportation business called Tricycle (Pampasada). He was also a proud owner of a Suzuki truck, which he enjoyed using with Ariel to visit family in Angeles City, Pampanga.

In 2015, Nicanor's modest four bedroom, two-bathroom home expanded to a ten bedroom, eleven-bathroom resort that was designed and built with the help of his daughter, Norlie.

In 2019, Nicanor moved from the Philippines to Burlington, ND to live with his daughter Ginelyn. Nicanor's passion for singing, dancing and love for life was well received by his new friends and family. He stayed busy in Burlington by taking care of his "hacienda" where he raised livestock, poultry, and built an Asian garden. While in America, he was able to visit Milwaukee, WI, Chicago, IL and he spent 3 months in Austin, TX with his daughter Norlie, son-in-law Brien, and granddaughter Natalie.

Nicanor once said "God gave me everything I have" in direct reference to his wife Helen, children Anilen, Ginelyn, Norlie, Jeson, Ariel, Jaypee and grandchildren John, Natalie, Isabella, and Mariella.

Nicanor will be greatly missed by everyone whose lives he touched.

Visitation: Tuesday, February 21, 2023, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot, ND.