River “Riv” JP Manning

December 4, 2003 ~ April 1, 2022

On Friday, April 1, 2022, our beloved son, little brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend, River JP Manning, age 18, passed away from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Riv was born December 4, 2003, to Shaun and Mindee Manning and big brother, Cole Manning, of West Point, Utah.

River attended West Point Elementary, West Point Jr. High, and was currently a senior at Clearfield High School; he was also receiving welding credits through Weber State University. River was active in his school’s Future Farmers of America Organization (FFA), in which he served as President in his junior year. He was also a member of the Spikers Rodeo Club through the Utah High School Rodeo Association (UHSRA).

River loved everything outdoors. Family deer hunting trips to Monticello, spring fishing trips to Whitney Reservoir, trap shooting, waterfowl hunting, dirt bike riding, and camping were among his favorites. But at the top of that list - he loved to rodeo... He loved everything about rodeo, and he excelled at it. Riv won many UHSRA events in bull riding, saddle bronc, and bareback. River was a two-time qualifier to the Jr. National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas and Texas. He enjoyed Tuesday night Buck-outs at the Golden Spike Arena in Ogden, and riding in the International Professional Rodeo Association (R1VIPRA) Summer and Winter Series rodeos. He loved the atmosphere, the excitement, and the camaraderie of his rodeo family.

River’s smile and personality were contagious, he had a way of making people gravitate towards him.  But above his love for the outdoors and the rodeo, River’s love for his family was immeasurable.  He shared his dad's passion for gun smithing, his mom's love of animals, and his big brother’s enthusiasm for fast cars. He loved hanging with “the boys” - his friends were important to him, and he counted them as family. Even when Riv was sidelined due to a broken bone, he wouldn't miss a chance to tie his buddies on their bull, or bronc, and cheer them on from behind the chutes. He was just as happy for their successes as he was his own. If you understand that about him, then you truly know OUR Cowboy’s heart.

Riv had a great work ethic, something he learned working on the family farm at a young age. This is where he found his love for animals, both domestic and wild. He brought home too many stray animals to count. He recently accepted a job as a welder at VO Brothers Mechanical, a passion he has had since he was a little boy. Before his job change, he worked for Craythorne Construction where River was very well liked.

River was "tuff enough” to admit he was Taylor Swift's biggest fan. He would sing along anytime she'd come on the radio. River was also quite certain he would become TicTok famous one day!

River is survived by his parents, brother, his grandparents, many aunts, uncles,

Cousins, and many friends. River was preceded in death by his grandparents, Stanley and Connie Manning.  Shortly after River’s death, his cousin, Gage Manning joined him in Heaven.

The sudden loss of our son, River, has left a hole in many hearts.