The Bakersfield Californian
24 June 1976, page 10

Tehachapi ‘Santa Claus’ Carriveau dead at 82

Rosary will be recited today at 7 p.m. for Wilfred “Santa Claus” Carriveau, 82, 308 West C Street, Tehachapi, at Stickel Mortuary chapel.

Mr. Carriveau was known as Santa Claus for his work of gathering and delivering food, candy and clothes to Mexican orphanages. He “adopted” several orphanages in Baja and made annual treks during the Christmas season to deliver his presents.

Mr. Carriveau died June 22 in a Los Angeles hospital. Mass will be celebrated tomorrow at 9 a.m. in the St. Malachy’s Catholic Church, Tehachapi. Interment will be in Tehachapi Catholic Cemetery.

He first began playing Santa to the Mexican poor during the depression while a chef on luxury ocean liners. He would gather candy and used clothing for the Mexican dock workers and their children.

He ended his merchant marine career as a chef for Freeman F. Godson of Amos and Andy fame and as a chef aboard the yacht of Hollywood producer Darryl F. Zanuck. He also has a brief career as an actor.

Born in Oconoto, Wis., he resided in Tehachapi for 19 years. He was a World War I veteran and member of the Tehachapi Veterans of Foreign Wars.

He is survived by three sisters, Margaret C. Norton, Tacoma, Wash.; and Luciana Moeschler and Pauline Salget, both of Seattle.

California Death Index, 1940-1997
about Archibal W Carriveau Name: Archibal W Carriveau
Sex: Male
Birth Date: 14 Mar 1894
Birthplace: Wisconsin
Death Date: 22 Jun 1976
Death Place: Los Angeles

World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918
about Wilfred Archie Carriveau Name: Wilfred Archie Carriveau
City: Seattle
County: King
State: Washington
Birthplace: Wisconsin;United States of America
Birth Date: 14 Mar 1894
Race: Caucasian (White)
FHL Roll Number: 1991887

Father: Pierre August Corriveau

Mother: Marie Florence Brule