Robert M. Trujillo, age 82, passed away peacefully February 15, 2026 with his family by his side in Austin, Texas.
He was born, Bobby Trujillo on March 4, 1943, in Carlsbad, New Mexico, to Lucas Trujillo and Lorenza Mendoza. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in in death by his two brothers, Rudy (Israel) Trujillo and Reyes Montañez, and his adoptive parents, Salomé Trujillo Pineida and Josefa Olivas Pineida.
He is survived by his son, Sean Trujillo of California, and his daughter, Cydney (Keith) Perske of Texas; his twin grandchildren, who were the lights of his life and a great-grandchild that he longed to meet in person.
Robert was a an industrious person. From a young age working alongside his parents picking fruit and later, selling hardwood lumber for various companies, to opening Red Eagle Lumber (1985-2007) as an independent lumber broker. He was the definition of a self-made man. Having been in the lumber business for over 5 decades, he knew every aspect of the trade and had a special gift for identifying wood whether from raw boards or finished products. One of the highlights of his career was traveling to Cuba as part of a trade mission in 2003.
Robert was a Californian through and through. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, family beach trips, bodysurfing in the Pacific Ocean, fishing, hiking and biking. He was a high school athlete, playing varsity football and wrestling for James A. Garfield High School in East Los Angeles. It was there that he met and later wed his high school sweetheart, Barbara. They were married for 38 years (1964-2002).
On March 7, 1993 he completed the Los Angeles Marathon just three days after his 50th birthday. He was an avid fan of UCLA football and in 1984 became a season ticket holder for many decades. Nothing got him going like the cross-town rivalry games against that other So.Cal. team!
Robert made friends easily and has left a hole in many hearts. He moved to Texas reluctantly in 2022 and frequently complained about getting lost, “There aren’t any mountains here!”. There were tears in the eyes of his neighbors when we told them of his passing. He was a kind person who will be remembered for his positive outlook and friendly disposition.
A memorial will be held on May 30, 2026 at Mt. Umunhum in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California. This location is sacred to the Amah Mutsun tribal band of Ohlone people. Robert was honored to be recognized as an elder of the tribe.