Thrasher Magazine

Photo: Westcott

9/27/1987 – 5/12/2025

It goes without saying, but Rob was the kind of kid that was picked last in gym class. However, in our world of skateboarding, he would be the first choice if you were to assemble a skate crew. He’s the one who would take the slam, make your guts hurt from laughing, beat you at SKATE and keep the energy up long after the session was over. Rob was from Indiana, where his high school diploma was framed and hung on the wall at the local skateshop—a gesture of shock and stoke. Rob's impact was felt in scenes all over the Midwest, Arizona and California. It was impossible to not notice Rob. He was the embodiment of a Johnny Thunders song on a skateboard; with neon griptape, and you probably just saw him do a willy grind down a handrail. Anyone who spent any time with Rob has a wild story, which is bound to happen when you’re the poster boy for poor impulse control. Rob was more than the cartoon character that I’m portraying him as. He loved skateboarding and his dedication showed. More importantly, he truly loved and cared for his friends; we all knew this because he told us. I’ll always remember him as a young, loud and snotty kid. I think that's how most of us will. Now go get a Slurpee in honor of Rob. Rise forever, Moontower forever, Noize Boyz forever and Goon forever. —Andrew Hutchison

Purple hair without a care, Rob got the frontside 50-50 in Phoenix without an inch to spare     Photo: Westcott


Rob's caution-to-the-wind approach made him a clear candidate to close out Rise's Midwest classic Life Won't Wait