Robert (Bobby) Raymond Matista, 59, of Santa Clarita, CA passed away suddenly and unexpectedly in his home on Tuesday, February 28, 2018. We all believe there was something more important in God's plan for Bobby to do, so he called Bobby home.

Bobby was born in Los Angeles, CA on February 25, 1959. His parents George Raymond Matista and Barbara Susanne Matista raised Bobby and his sister, Susanne in Monrovia, California until Bobby was 10 and then the family moved to Saugus, CA. where he lived until his death.

As a child growing up in Southern California, Bobby loved the ocean and enjoyed vacations at Lake Tahoe ... spending hours and hours with his sister body surfing, canoeing, and collecting shells and crawdads. In his younger years while still in Monrovia, he became an avid skateboarder and won several trophies. However, as Bobby got older, he loved playing football and baseball. Bobby was so talented at football, he played the position of TE in both offense and defense and was offered a scholarship to play college football in Hawaii.

When Bobby was 16, he was walking across the street and was struck by a drunk driver. He had severe head injuries that took more than a year to recover from ... having to learn to walk, talk, and do the basics, Bobby's determination and will to overcome allowed him to graduate high school. Although, Bobby could no longer play any contact sport ... he still loved football and rooted for the Raiders every football season.

Bobby also had a huge heart ... he would do anything for anybody and this was something that he never outgrew. Bobby was always surrounded by lots of friends that admired Bobby's loyalty and sincere friendship. Bobby was full of compassion and empathy and would do what he could to make life a little easier for someone else.

In 1991, Bobby met the love of his life and partner, Leslie. They spent 27 years playing, laughing, loving, doing all the things they both loved to do together.

Bobby lost his mother, Barbara in October 1998. Those still alive to painfully miss Bobby's laugh and presence are his dad, George R Matista, his sister and brother-in-law, Susanne and Rolan Rodgers, his lifelong partner, Leslie Meusborn and all his friends and family. A celebration of Bobby's life is being planned at a later date in Saugus. His ashes will rest with Leslie. Cremation is taking place at Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary, 23287 N Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA.