Life Tributes
EL CAJON, CA — Robert Earnest Rios was born in San Diego, the only son of Robert and Kathleen Rios, and younger brother to Carol, Pam, and Becky. Following a year-long illness bravely fought, he died peacefully at home July 2, 2021, surrounded by family and friends.
A lifelong San Diegan, Bob attended Clairemont High School where he met his future wife Kim, but graduated from University City High School in its inaugural graduating class. He graduated from UC San Diego with a bachelor’s of science degree in Computer Science, and made his home in El Cajon.
San Diego was also his home base for his entire career - from his first jobs at Jack in the Box and
McDonald’s, to Personal Computer Rentals (PCR), Phoenix Flow Systems, and Science and Engineering Associates (SEA). Before his illness, Bob worked at Linsco Private Ledger (LPL) Financial for more than 23 years, many of them as an AVP in Production Support.
Of Bob’s many passions, board games, vintage science fiction, woodworking, home improvements, poker, music, weird antiques, and cast iron topped the list. He crafted delicate jewelry boxes and birdhouses as handily as he constructed a wood-fired pizza oven for the backyard. His chef d’oeuvre was the brick and stone patio he made with his sons, Brandon and Samuel, that represented the solar system’s planets aligned just as they were on the day he married Kim.
Music, especially, captivated Bob early on. He played the French horn in school bands, and with his mellophone he competed nationally for four years in 2 different Drum and Bugle corps. In later years, family trips were often spent attending Drum Corps shows in Southern California.
Bob’s poker parties - and his hospitality - were legendary. A full house of friends at these gatherings meant more to him than a strong hand of cards. His love of the game took him to Las Vegas at least once a year, and to the local casinos every week.
In addition to his beloved wife Kim, Bob is survived by his sons Brandon and Samuel, his mother, and his sisters.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, July 16, 2021, at 2pm in Christ Lutheran Church, 4761 Cass Street, 92109, reception following.