Robert Alden Pyke

1962 - 2022

Robert Alden Pyke, adopted at birth, was born September 28, 1962, in Alameda, California, and died unexpectedly on June 13, 2022 at the young age of 59, in Brookdale, California.

Rob attended schools in Northern California and Washington State, graduating from Richland High School, the class of 1980. He moved to Southern California where he first met Christine. Shortly after, he migrated north to Brookdale, and spent the rest of his life and career in the Santa Cruz mountains.

Rob loved music and was a gifted singer, participating in the local Karaoke scene. He was one of the most generous and caring human beings that I have ever known. He'd give you the shirt off his back (which you'd really like if you were a fan of tie dye or peace symbols), and felt a connection with the homeless and downtrodden. He would deliver food and supplies to the homeless camps in Felton and Scotts Valley.

A wizard with his hands, Rob could fix anything using his amazing mechanical ability. As a toddler, and barely walking, he managed to dismantle his wooden playpen. He enjoyed a challenge, even as a child. He was able to use that skill at Threshold, in Scotts Valley, for 35 years repairing the machines that manufacture their products.

Robbie was super smart. His IQ was tested as a kid, and it explained why he was a challenge to most of his teachers. Give him any specification, and he could turn two-dimensional into three. In his last years, he was taking online University courses working towards a Digital Media certificate.

Rob loved his kitties. Over the years, he cared for several strays. He was the "cat whisperer". He loved to read, his favorite genres being Fantasy and Science Fiction. Rob was a creative soul, and wrote some of his own stories complete with wizards and magical kingdoms. He created both tie dye shirts and chainmail armor.

Quick to smile, and always ready with a joke, Rob loved a good time. He was more like a big brother than an uncle, and he played Wii: Beatles' Rock Band, other video and board games, and cribbage with his nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces.

In the last text I received from Rob, as I wrote to him about purchasing a home in Brookdale, he said, "Comfortable with what I have." And he was. I miss you little brother.

Robert is survived by his mother, Pat Pyke, and his two sisters, Trice Healy and Corie Brank, Aunt Connie Nicholson (Doug), Uncle Rich Wilson (Kathie), many cousins, nieces and nephews, two grand-nieces, close friends, Kiki his cat, and his Southern California girlfriend, Christine Miller.

In lieu of flowers, provide a meal for a homeless person. A private family memorial will be scheduled at a future date.