(July 10, 1943 – April 7, 2009) By David Martinez   It was three years ago that I tearfully, but honorably, delivered the eulogy at St Raphel’s church, in Santa Barbara, California, for one of my best friends, Frankie Rivas. The month of April now has a new meaning, as I annually pay him tribute and remember his passing.   A lot of people think that I met Frankie through boxing, which is a good guess; but I actually first met him when I was a boy in the early sixties. He was a young apprentice waiter at a local restaurant named “Leon’s” and my parents would go there and ask for him to be our waiter. I will always remember one of the early times going there for dinner; after he took our food order he asked “What can I bring you to drink, David?” Before I could say “A soda pop or glass of milk would be fine”, he said “A Shirley Temple is what I will bring you.” At that time in my life I had no idea what a Shirley Temple was and I thought Frankie was going to bring me a little toy doll.  That evening, he introduced me to what was actually 7-Up and grenadine with a cherry!  There are so many other stories that I have of Frankie, but this one is the first which I will remember forever.   It was boxing that kept Frankie and I bonded as friends, like brothers, for almost fifty years. Frankie boxed as a successful amateur. He also made time to help the youth of our city with his services.  He was right by my side as a referee and judge at many boxing shows in our community, as well.   Here’s to a well respected man that was my friend – my best friend – Frankie Rivas.  Please join me in prayer as we remember him today.