May 25, 1968 - March 22, 2019 Share your Memorial with Family & Friends
I had the great pleasure of working with Robert and supporting him during my time working for what was back then Boeing GS&S Field Services group. He always had such a hearty laugh and such a beautiful persona about him. I loved running into him at the office and was sad when he and Donna moved to NY, as I'd miss his jokes and smartass remarks. So when the news of Robert's passing made it out to me, I was absolutely crushed that we'd no longer get to experience such a wonderful spirit here in our realm. But he touched so many people throughout his life, including mine, and I am positive his memory and his good deeds will carry on in those he left behind. My condolences to Donna, his family, coworkers, and friends. Ride on my friend - catch you on the flip side.
Posted by Isabel Aguirre on April 11, 2019
May Rob rest in heavenly peace and grace your hearts with peace and understanding.
Posted by Lucy Partida on April 11, 2019
God Speed Robert. You are greatly missed.
Posted by Lynda on April 11, 2019
When I worked the R&S Recap Program at Boeing, Robert was our rep in Germany. He soon came to the states and relocated to Arizona. We became friends quick. We went on road trips together, we went to party's together (fun times I will never ever forget). He will surely be missed and I will never forget all the great times. His obituary describes him just the way I knew him. Ride on Robert. I know I'll see you again. My heart goes out to his entire family and friends and I will always be here for Donna and Amanda as he would want us all to be.
Posted by Mary May on April 11, 2019
I will start with saying that Robert will be missed greatly. I wasn't sure what story to tell, but figure I'd share one that covered him on a scooter (Harley). One day he and I and several others (not listing everyone) went on a ride up to Grease Wood Flats up in the Scottsdale area. It was an old pony express station I believe they claim, that turned into an outdoor bar and hamburger grill basically. Place was busy that day. It was hot out, and lots of tourists were about. We had had a couple cold beverages to satisfy the heat, and with he and I both being of the social type, had somehow struck up conversations with a younger group here from Israel. I believe there where four women and a couple of guys in this group. All of them were in their 20s and really enjoying the culture of this bar. Well, wasn't long and one of the girls of the group was asking for a ride on a Harley, and the other girls quickly jumped on that opportunity also. Robert and I weren't really wanting to make a bunch of trips to fulfill this request, so he ventured over to our group and started asking for volunteers to take the group on the ride. While he was gone, I realized one of the guys in the group wanted to go as well (he was the brother of one of the girls). So, I took it upon myself to determine that Robert wouldn't mind putting him on the back of his bike...that's the kind of friend I am. Well, Robert returned shortly and had enough volunteers, and was just working out who was riding with who. I introduced him to who was going to be on his bike, and well, he was about as blunt as one could be in politely declining. I believe it went something like "F#&$@ NO...NOT A #%#$@% CHANCE...NO DUDE %#$%$# RIDES ON MY BIKE..." etc.. I had tears in my eyes, and the Israelis honestly didn't know what the big deal was. After several attempts of him explaining, he came up with a solution... "Hey dude, I'll buy you a beer, you stay here and enjoy the band." - and again explained how there wasn't a chance in hell any dude would be sitting behind him. We shot down the road for a 5 minute ride, they were very appreciative, and Robert and I decided to roll on. We left the group we were with and hit the town for some more riding. Well, anyone that has ever ridden with Robert knows he is and "aggressive" rider when he is having a fun ride, and even more so if someone is able to hang with him. We both used to talk about how we enjoyed riding together, didn't have to worry about the other rider, and knew we were watching out for each other. That night cruising mainly around Scottsdale area, I believe we counted 6 flashes. Weren't really sure what they were early on, but realized it before the night was over. Apparently Scottsdale takes issue of running 80 - 90 on an on-ramp (safer for merging is the only reason we would do this of course) so they had speed cameras all over that town. Luckily I hadn't been back in AZ for long, so I still had Kentucky plates on my bike. Robert was just getting here from somewhere and had out of state plates as well. We were wondering how many of the cameras actually caught our plates, and if we'd get tickets or lose license over it. Neither of us ever did however, thankfully. Figured gov't wasn't able to talk to another state to figure out who we were, so, we were lucky. That sure was a fun night, and it is a story that I will always tell. RIP Brother.
Posted by Randy Black on April 10, 2019Robert Gastelum
U.S. Veteran
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