Until we meet again...

It was definitely a rough week leading up to Rob's funeral. Mom was up at Gege's house several times helping with funeral arrangements and just visiting. It took the examiner over 3 days to identify Rob's body since he was so badly burned from the accident. It was eventually the records from the dentist that confirmed it was him. Gege didn't want to start planning until he was positively identified and his body could be released.  We met at their "Bike Shack" on Traverse Mountain a couple of times where friends and family could gather.  Mom went with Gege to the funeral home with Grandma Pikus, the kids and Yvonne to help support them as they picked out the casket and flowers. Gege's nephew Swen who is also the family attorney was able to pull some strings and find any laws that might prevent Rob from being buried at his cabin. Swen was able to get all of the appropriate approvals and Park City would be his final resting place where he loved to spend time to get away from the hustle and bustle of life. Mom was able to go with Regina to pick out the flowers as well. It was good to keep busy, but we know the hardest times are yet to come. The funeral was beautiful! She had it at the mortuary where hundreds of people came to pay their last respects. Noelle and Mom gave Rob's life sketch and all of the brother's and sisters were able to say a few words about Rob and the amazing man he was, so full of life. He recently went running with the bulls and over to Ukraine where Russia has attacked them at the front lines. He loved danger. 

Those closest to the family were invited to go to the burial and a dinner to follow at the cabin. Many of Rob's close friends came together and landscaped the entire side yard where he would be buried. Kyle and a few family members were also able to go up and dig the hole for the casket and get the site ready. After the casket was placed, Cade was able to drive the tractor and place the top of the vault on the casket. Several shovels were available for those who wanted to place a shovel full of dirt on the casket. It was very emotional. Jared brought 200 balloons for people to write their messages on and release. As you can see everyone was in orange because Rob mentioned to Regina every successful company he had was created with a little bit of orange. We visited and ate dinner along with drinking several red bulls - Rob's favorite drink. 

OBITUARY:

Robert Lee Pikus: fierce protector, fearless creator and innovator, beloved family man, and defender of his “hippopotamus pod”, has set off on his final adventure, passing away on July 29, 2023, at age 46. Massive in both stature and spirit, Rob was a mountain of a man standing at 6'5", and affectionately known as “Papa Wobbie” by his son. Rob left deep footprints in our lives that will echo across generations. He lived an incredible life of service, adventure, and memory-making with his family and friends.

Rob entered this world in a blaze of glory, as his mom will be happy to tell you about. His journey began on September 3, 1976, in Provo, Utah, where he was born to Patricia (Wright) and Leroy Pikus. Born into the legendary Pikus family, he had a joyful 1980’s childhood where the values of hard work, curiosity, love of God, and love of service were instilled in him. His magnetic personality and insightful spirit drew in many friends throughout the years. Rob always knew the best ways to have fun, as his friends and children can attest to. 

After graduating high school, Rob attended both Snow College and Utah Valley University, in addition to serving a 2-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Milan, Italy. His commitment to service was exemplified during his time as a missionary, where he grew to love the Italian people with all of his heart. Rob’s love and knowledge of Italy would welcome him back to the country throughout his lifetime. 

On the night of July 3rd 1998, he met the love of his life, Regina (Gege) Gateley Pikus. They married on April 15, 2000, and sealed their bond for eternity in the Mount Timpanogos Utah Temple. Their journey together brought four beautiful children into the world: Regina Patricia, Harley Rae, Kincade (Cade) Day, and Cash Robert. During the 23 years of their marriage, Rob and Gege worked hard together to build a beautiful life for their family. Rob led each member of the Pikus family in shared values of love, hard work, faith, and honesty. He embodied these values each and every day, passed them on to his children with each new adventure, both big and small. 

After college, Rob pioneered his way through the construction industry, determined to disrupt it. Rob and Gege together laid the cornerstone of Pikus Concrete and Construction in 1999. Through tireless effort and unwavering commitment, they transformed this small Utah company into one of the largest concrete companies in the nation. Rob stood shoulder to shoulder with his employees in the trenches, forging lifelong friendships along the way. Later, Rob harnessed his innovative spirit to create Pikus 3D, a pioneering 3D-printed concrete company, cementing his place as a trailblazer in North American construction. His insightful leadership and steadfast dedication also underpinned his contributions at Pikus Concrete Contracting, a Lithko subsidiary, where he served as Area Lead.

A magnet for friendships, Rob was admired for his honest charisma and insightful spirit. Orange was chosen to represent him because he once said to his little girl "every great thing I've ever built has a little orange in it.” With a constant eye for adventure, Rob recently fulfilled a lifelong dream of running with the bulls in Spain, and lived a glorious moment of tangling with a bull. His passion for exploring new territories and cultures was infectious, and he shared these experiences with his loved ones. Just ask his best friends, Swen and Paul, to tell you some stories. Whether it was blazing new trails on a mountain, adventuring in snow, or exploring foreign lands, Rob's life was an adventure that touched all who knew him.

One of the deep joys in his life was exploring the world with his wife and children, trying new things and creating new memories. He tirelessly supported his family, backing every wild idea with unwavering belief. He exemplified what a husband and father is, and could be found every single day serving his wife and children. His commitment to others was matchless, starting in his family and reaching the furthest corners of the world. Helping others was a core value in his life, and eventually led to Rob and Gege starting The Pikus Project, a nonprofit with the mission of  “Changing our community, nation, and world one Project at a time.” His commitment to others was awe-inspiring.

Rob is survived by his wife Gege, their four children, his parents Patricia and Leroy Pikus, his Mother-in-Law Yvonne Gateley, and his seven siblings: Kevin Pikus, Frank Pikus, Damond (Amy) Pikus, Shauna (Kyle) Smoot, Amanda (Taylor) Yates, Jared (Jodi) Pikus, Noelle (Janson) Pace, along with a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his nephew, Isaac Pikus, his niece Mia Swenson, and his Sister-in-Law, Tina Pikus. In addition to his four children on earth he is believed to have been joyfully reunited with his seven unborn children in heaven.

The legacy Rob leaves behind is a map for others to follow, filled with courage, innovation, and love (and a little bit of orange). His contributions to his community, industry, and family will forever inspire those who journey alongside him. Gege, his forever sweetheart, alongside their children, will continue the adventures that she and Rob started.

Funeral services will take place on Saturday, August 5th, at 4 pm at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah. The service will be live-streamed for those who cannot attend in person. Following the funeral, Rob will be laid to rest in a place both cherished by him and his family, and will be a reflection of his deep love for nature, and a constant reminder of God's presence.

The Pikus family extends heartfelt appreciation for the outpouring of kindness and many generous acts of support during this challenging time. Rob's memory will forever serve as a compass, guiding us towards life's adventures, community value, and the significance of family. He is so irreplaceable that we won't even try.