Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Robert Rives Obituary
Robert William Rives, 53, passed away peacefully October 17, 2011. Robert, "Robbie", or "Mr. Rives" was a popular teacher at Millikan High School for 7 years. He worked for the Long Beach Unified School District for 17 years. He received his Bachelor's Degree from Virginia Tech as a Hokie and obtained his Masters in Education at Cal State, Dominguez Hills.
Robbie was definitely one of a kind. He marched to a different drummer and always chose the road less traveled. Being a father was his most coveted role. Recently, he became a grandfather and looked forward to his eventual retirement in Panama. The outdoors was his paradise. He loved surfing, fishing, snowboarding, camping, reading, and traveling…all activities that were enhanced by time shared with his family. As a teacher, he was able to fulfill his destiny and embrace the hearts and minds of young people. His students were a constant inspiration to him. He is preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Katie Rives as well as his nephew, Jack Rives. He sadly leaves behind his son, (Robert) Jeffery Rives, grandson, Austin Kian Rives, brother, Jeffery Rives, sister, Beth Rives Zelms, nephews, Andy Gerringer and Rhett Rives, and niece, Sara Gerringer-Demeria. Rosemary Hernandez remains both his best friend and co-parent of their beloved son, Jeff. Many other extended family members and far-reaching friends lament his departure from this earth. A memorial service will be held at Earl Burns Japanese Garden at Cal State Long Beach, Saturday, October 29 at 9:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Robert William Rives Scholarship Fund at Millikan High School, Long Beach. Please sign the guest book at www.presstelegram.com/obits or www.heritagememorialservices.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Rives
Sponsored by anonymous.
Rosemary Hernandez
October 15, 2024
Miss you and Jeff every day. I know you are both at peace together. I love you so much
Darren Hardy
October 15, 2024
Still think about you all the time. Hard to believe it's been 13 years.
Beth Zelms
October 17, 2023
Another year. Still such a loss. I have accepted it, slowly. So hard even now. Am really grateful for the vivid memories. Hope you are at peace, Robbie Rives.
Darren Hardy
July 9, 2023
Thinking about you today my friend. Made me laugh. Miss you pal
Nancy
February 12, 2023
Another year of missing you....
Blowing out sixty-five candles would have been challenging.
Peace
Nancy
Peace
Nancy H.
October 17, 2022
ROBBIE
WE ALL STILL MISS YOU EVERY DAY...YOU ARE LOVED
Darren Hardy
October 15, 2022
I miss you dearly buddy.
Rosemary Hernandez
October 15, 2022
Dearest Robbie. By now you know our son, Jeff, has passed on to meet you. I am broken because I will no longer see him on Earth. I find comfort knowing he will see you. I love you both and miss you dearly
Robert Jeffery Rives 1/14/88-6/12/22
Beth Rives zelms
October 18, 2021
I will always remember and wish you were still here. Miss you. Your son and grandson are peas in the pod with you. Xo
Rosemary Hernandez
October 15, 2021
We love and miss you more every day. Your son and grandson carry on many Robert Rives characteristics.
Darren Hardy
April 5, 2021
He was my friend and traveling amigo. It was a wild ride buddy. I am going to miss dearly.
Darren Hardy
Austin Rives 9 years old
Rosemary Hernandez
October 17, 2020
We think of you each day. Wish you got to know your grandson better. You passed away when he was six months old. Love you always.
Beth Rives Zelms
October 16, 2020
I miss him. I often experience things and say, “Robbie would love this”. He was so full of life, so real, often outrageous, but didn’t we all love him? Yes, we did and do. Never to be forgotten, this totally, out of the box, kind and authentic man. Xo
E S
January 3, 2020
2020 AND I JUST FOUND OUT YOU PASSED, HOPE YOUR SURFING THOSE CLOUDS IN IN THE SKY.
I CANNOT BELIEVE YOU ARE GONE!!!
OUR CALVIN KLEIN MODEL (TEACHER)
I WAS HONORED TO BE IN YOUR US HISTORY CLASS IN 11TH GRADE BACK IN 2005 HEARING YOU PLAY ELVIS PRESLEY AND THE BEATLES, SUBLIME.
MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY WE HEARD LOTS OF STORIES IN THE CLASSROOM ABOUT HOW MUCH HE LOVED YOU ALL.
Robbie's Son and Grandson
Rosemary Hernandez
October 15, 2019
We think of you every day. There is such a void in our lives. Jeff and I tell Austin "Pop" stories all of the time. With very much love, Jeff, Austin, Rosemary
Rosemary Hernandez
February 12, 2019
Happy birthday, Robbie. We miss you very much. Love Jeff, Austin, Rosemary.
Here is a current picture of your grandson.
Nancy
February 23, 2018
Hard to believe you would have had a "milestone" birthday this month. Miss you
Miss you, Robbie at this holiday time!
Rosemary Hernandez
December 6, 2015
flora lisondra
April 4, 2014
i remember him we spent together here in the Philippines for 2 months, i was very sad he passed away now...
Laurie Pietrowski-Cooper
August 30, 2013
I just found out about Robbie. I have many fun memories of the Riverdale Pool when we were young. Sounds like he had many accomplishments in his life. Rest in Peace, Robbie. Beth and Jeff, thinking about you today.
Rosemary Hernandez
December 30, 2012
Another year without you here. We miss you.
Carol
December 31, 2011
Robbie you are truly missed...i can't imagine not being the one picking you up from lax after your trips here there everywhere! I cried once ..but any thoughts of you now I smile and laugh at your quips..you never knew this...but in all my years driving I have never driven in the carpool lane (chicken) you said go in that lane come on you can do it! Lord I was petrified but I did all the way to lax...seems a simple thing...not for me..now when Im driving on freeway I glance over at carpool and say to myself...damn Robbie!! Lol we miss you...we have plenty of fun stories to share. Miss your smiley face...we know your in our hearts always.
Ron Ohlman
November 16, 2011
Very saddened to learn of Rob's passing. He and I were classroom neighbors and work pals early in our teaching careers. Rob's charm and sense of humor was unmatched. I had to stop sitting by him at faculty meetings because I couldn't control laughing at his quips and comments. RIP Brother.
Millikan Students
October 31, 2011
Poem recited at Robbie/Mr. Rives' memorial Saturday by Millikan High School students
"THE INSPIRATION OF DREADS"
Be loud and be heard
Everyone became inert
From bright and colorful, went to dark and gray
His memories just cannot fade away
Grieving day and night
Inside we are putting up a fight
Everyday passing by
Hoping everything will be alright
Inspired us and played an important role
Knowing heaven took his soul
Not just our teacher but our friend
Teaching us lessons from beginning to end
Encouraged our hearts
We succeed knowing he can see
Although we only had a glance with him we always knew we had a
second chance with him.
By Millikan Students: Elizabeth Luna, Victoria Villicana, Mardie Aragon, Moze Sosa, Irvin Alvarado, Liliana Chinchilla
Rosemary Hernandez
October 31, 2011
If you would like to download the song "Simple Man" written and played by Jack Maness at Robbie's memorial on Saturday go to this link. You will love it!
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/simple-man/id353022784
Eric Ramberg
October 28, 2011
Robbie my freind my bro I will miss you I will always remember the trips to mexico alaska n the islands we spent many many days on the water together I will always remember the fish weve caught the gals weve chased you will always be in my thoughts when the fish are biting love you bro and my heart goes out to the family my blessing we will fish on the other side my freind
Robert Day
October 28, 2011
You touched me in many ways that great smile that laugh and that great mind you will be missed by many,I have great memories with you I will carry with me forever,You were a very special and unique soul my brother, god rest your soul Robbie.
Joy Kenyon-Robbins
October 28, 2011
I extend my deepest sympathy to your family. You were so passionate with all your ventures. I have many fun & fond memories of all those young days we shared with the Hampton croud. Your familly must be proud of the legacy you left on this earth. Watch over us all as we trudge through this sad time.May peace be with your family.
libby pfeiffer
October 27, 2011
you will be missed Robbie Libby Pfeiffer
Chris Williams
October 26, 2011
May the God of all comfort grant your family peace at this time. ( 1Cor. 1:3,4)
October 25, 2011
Rest in peace my friend. I will always remember
Robbie and his son, Jeff, on a fishing trip.
Rosemary Hernandez
October 25, 2011
Sandra
October 25, 2011
RIP Mr Rives!!! I loved your class in middle school....of course it was hilarious when you made your sandwiches and drank your flavored water right before our lunch time! lol BEST TEACHER EVER!!!
Tamara Long-Vassey
October 25, 2011
Wish I had known we were living so close to each other, would have been wonderful to have crossed paths again! Rest in peace, Robbie. A great spirit who will truly be missed here on Earth. Rock on, Robbie! Love, T
Dale Dishman
October 24, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
RIP Brother.
STEVE CADBY
October 24, 2011
Rest in peace brother! My thoughts and prayers to the Rives family.Steve Cadby Wilmington
Brenda Cassman
October 24, 2011
I will miss seeing you walk through the Attendance Office at Millikan each morning and saying hi. Wonderful knowing you. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Rives family.
Mike LoGioco
October 23, 2011
Robbie, so many great memories i will carry on. You are one of a kind and im so blessed to have been a friend, and a brother. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Rives family. Love you Robbie.
October 23, 2011
Rest In Peace, my dear friend, Robbie. I miss you. Love, Lani
Jarai Jackson
October 22, 2011
my thoughts and prayers go out to robs family and friends i only knew him for a few months we had a class together....and he was a wonderful man who always talked about was his newborn grandson and how he could'nt wait to retire and go to panama and just relax and surf all day...rest in paradise rob you will be missed.....
October 22, 2011
Deep Sympathy to a well known Fraternity Brother, Great Friend and High School Classmate who will never be forgotten. RIP Brother, Jimmy Strickland, Salisbury, NC.
October 22, 2011
my thoughts and prayers go to you and your families
rip brother!
steve lipmanson(garner, nc)
Pam Richardson-Cantrell
October 21, 2011
I haven't seen Robbie in many years but remember how sweet and fun he was..my deepest sympaties to all of you.
Darlene Zehrbach
October 21, 2011
Robbie gave so much joy to so many, he will be forever missed. He was truly one of a kind, a very special kind.
Beth Rives Zelms
October 21, 2011
My baby brother...full of passion for people and life. Peace, sweetie.
Nancy Daube
October 21, 2011
MY heart goes out to you Beth and Jeff. I have such good memories of Robbie•
Showing 1 - 49 of 49 results
Make a Donation
in Robert Rives's name
Memorial Events
for Robert Rives
How to support Robert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Rives's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
