ROBERT J. (BOB) PYEATT

Final Flight on March 19, 2016

Robert J. (Bob) Pyeatt, Colonel, USAF (Retired)

April 03, 1942 - March 19, 2016

Pyeatt, Robert J.

Robert, age 73 died March 19, 2016 in Albuquerque, NM. He was born in Santa Cruz, CA on April 3, 1942.

He graduated from John Swett High School in Crockett, CA, and graduated from Chico State University in Chico, CA. He completed his Teaching Certificate, and taught 7th and 8th grade science and math classes at Bidwell School in Red Bluff, CA. While teaching, he received several draft notices, but ultimately enlisted in the Air Force in July 1967. He attended Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, completing the "90-day wonder" course. As a new second lieutenant, he completed pilot training at Laredo AFB, Texas, graduating in January 1969, and served in Vietnam.

Over his career, he and his family moved 20 times, with flying and personnel-related assignments to California, Southeast Asia, Alabama, Texas, Idaho, Illinois, New Mexico, Washington D.C., New Mexico #2, Azores (Portugal), and New Mexico #3. Bob has over 3,500 flying hours in the C-141, CH-53C, UH-1H, UH-1N, UH-1F, CH-3, UH-60, plus 2 C-130 aircraft and several other helicopters. He completed a Master's Degree in Personnel Management from Webster University during his military career. In 1997, he retired from the Air Force as a Colonel after almost 30 years of service. He immediately began work for Lockheed Martin Corporation in Albuquerque, NM, training Air Force Special Operations Force and Rescue Crew Members in 5 aircraft and 18 different crew positions.

In 2004, Bob retired from Lockheed Martin. Throughout his life, he had a devout love and passion for his family and friends, and for his outside interests of hiking, backpacking, fly fishing, golfing, cycling, and Senior Olympics (badminton).

He was preceded in death by his wife Sara and his brother Mike. He is survived by his children Debbie and Colin Anderson, Mike and Genevieve Pyeatt, and Clint Pyeatt; his step-children Alyssa and Allan Tapia, and Brett Bearce; his grandchildren Taylor Tapia, Haley Tapia, Selby Anderson, Zach Anderson, Sydney Pyeatt, and Lauryn Pyeatt, his sister-in-law Ann Pyeatt, and the mother of his children, Kris Pyeatt.

Family requesting all donations may be given in Robert's honor to Support Our Troops at www.support-our-troops.org or Dementia Society of America at www.dementiasociety.org. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com 

Daniels Family Funeral Services, 7601 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109, 505-821-0010

Published in Albuquerque Journal on Mar. 27, 2016

GUEST BOOK

March 27, 2016

One last salute. It was an honor and a privilege to have serve under such a fine leader in the USAF. I remember him being personable, fair and an all-around fine gentleman. My prayers and condolences to his family.

~

Christine Slade, Albuquerque, NM

March 25, 2016

Many great memories of Bob as we grew up in Rodeo and through our school years at Garretson and John Swett. We were so fortunate to have a great time with Bob at our reunion this year. He was a great guy and will be missed by all. Our sincere condolences to his family.

~

Ken & Bonnie Valine, Easley, SC

March 24, 2016

I went to Jr High School thru High School with Bob. In 1961 he got a job with the US Forest Service and worked about 1 hour West of Redding, CA. He came home a couple of times and regaled me with stories of cutting down trees and fighting forest fires. Because of Bob I got the same job at the same place and worked with Bob for 2 years. I saw a completely different side of Bob: rough and ready, a leader and, more importantly, a good friend. I worked with Bob for 2 great years and because of Bob I was able to work on a Hotshot crew in Montana the following year then, eventually, a smokejumper in Montana. We would have great, competitive one on one basketball games and worked out tails off fighting forest fires side by side. Bob was a great friend to our high school class and he will be missed. Rest In Peace my friend.

~

Cliff Barnett, Portland, OR

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