Caretaker at Steam Pump Ranch for over Twenty Years
Carlos Rivera at Steam Pump Ranch, April 2008, Photo Courtesy of Randy Metcalf.
Carlos Rivera was born in 1926 in Sahuarita, about 15 miles south of Tucson. In 1950, he married Emma in Tucson, and the two shared 45 years of marriage until her passing in 1995. Together, they raised five sons—Carlos Jr., Clarence, Clemente, Cecil, and Clyde—each one proudly carrying the initials “CR,” just like Carlos’s registered branding iron.
Carlos devoted his life to ranching, working on Rancho Vistoso and Steam Pump Ranch. He passed down his skills to his sons, teaching them to rope and ride. The boys grew up wrangling cattle at the Rail N Ranch and Golder Ranch, carrying on their father’s legacy of horsemanship and responsibility.
“He was a hard worker, and he lived for his family and ranch,” recalled his daughter-in-law, Yvonne Rivera. His son Cecil added, “He was really adamant—make sure the animals eat in the morning and in the afternoon before you eat your own meal.”
Carlos also had a generous spirit, taking in animals from other ranchers who could no longer care for them. Over the years, he cared for everything from a Brahma bull to a few llamas.
For over 20 years, Carlos served as the caretaker at Steam Pump Ranch during John Leiber’s ownership. He managed the chicken coops, horse stables, and riding track until the property was purchased by the Town of Oro Valley.
Despite his hardworking lifestyle, Carlos also knew how to enjoy life. He was a familiar face at the Lariat Steakhouse and Saloon in Catalina, where he was known to sip a Pepsi and dance the night away.
Carlos passed away in 2010 at the age of 84. “He was just a simple man,” said Cecil, “but he touched a lot of people’s hearts.” Carlos is buried at the Holy Hope Cemetary in Tucson.
Carlos and Emma Rivera Gravestone, Holy Hope Cemetery, Tucson.
Carlos Rivera inside the Caretaker (Barbecue) House at Steam Pump Ranch – April 2008. Photo courtesy of Randy Metcalf
Sources:
Last days at Steam Pump by Randy Metcalf, The Explorer May 1, 2008, Updated Mar 24, 2011
Ranch Caretaker was a “Giant”, Family Says by Randy Metcalf, The Explorer June 15, 2010, Updated Mar 24, 2011
Legendary Locals of Marana, Oro Valley, and Catalina by Barbara Marriott