Tributes

On December 30, Robert C. Rios passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family. He was 87 years old. Bob was born in Elgin, Texas to Roberto and Elena Rios. His love of Elgin Hot Sausage was born soon afterwards. The family later moved to Austin where he graduated from Austin High. While living in his adopted hometown, he became a lifelong UT football fan. After high school, Bob joined the Army Reserves. He eventually earned the rank of Master Sargent before his retirement after 20 years of service. Bob moved to San Antonio where he met and married the former Amalia (Molly) Ruiz. Together, they raised two children. In 1955, Bob began a 33-year career in civil service, working most of those years at Kelly AFB. He was selected for the first civilian class of computer programmers, a profession that perfectly matched his meticulous nature and logical approach to problem solving. At the urging of his physician, Bob started running as a way to control his weight. Something about the mental fortitude needed to pound out mile after mile took root in him. At the peak of his fitness, he would log 10 miles before reporting to work at 7:30 AM. In 1987, he completed the Houston Marathon. In his running career, he amassed over 300 awards. His dedication to the craft did not go unnoticed. In 1994, he was recognized as the “Best Sportsman in Running” by the Comision Nacional Del Deportes (The Mexican Sports Association). He was flown to Mexico City to accept the award. Bob loved to travel and was a champion of the family vacation. Many summer and winter breaks were spent driving all over the US - California, Florida, Wyoming, Colorado. He frequently led family and friends on tours of his favorite haunts, Mexico City and Acapulco. As he grew older, his adventures became more traditional and he and Molly frequented Las Vegas. Bob was a master at BBQ, perfecting brisket and smoked turkey. The brisket needed no knife and the turkey fell off the bone. Bob owned several barrel cookers and trashcan smokers, always customizing his equipment and tweaking his technique. Late in life, two of Bob’s greatest loves came together, Mexican food and UT football. While enjoying breakfast at Blanco Café, he spotted Darrell Royal. Bob quickly went home to retrieve his copy of The Game of the Century and a 30-year old newspaper article about the same. As Coach Royal stepped out of the restaurant, Bob politely asked, “Coach, would you mind signing these for me?” Coach Royal could see how much Bob treasured the book, the article and UT football. Coach Royal was overwhelmed. When Bob remembered the name of the game winning play, 53 Veer Pass, Coach Royal exclaimed, “What a memory!” For Bob, this was the ultimate compliment. Bob is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Olivia Gil, and her husband Otis. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Molly, his son Robert Rios (Roger Peterson), his daughter Molly Miller (Alex), and his grandson Austin Miller. Bob also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews from the Gil, Rodriguez, Medel, Gonzales and Naredo families.

Tributes

Robert C. Rios

May 11, 1931 - December 30, 2018