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 Bob Pieters
August 19, 1946 - March 20, 2026
Robert John Pieters, known to all as "Bob" and to many as "The Buffalo Rider," passed away in Carson City, Nevada, leaving behind a legacy of ingenuity, resilience, and unwavering love for family. He was born in Bandung, Indonesia, to John and Berendina Pieters, both of whom preceded him in death. In search of a better life this family moved to the Netherlands where they lived for two years.
Bob immigrated to the United in 1957, beginning a lifelong journey shaped by hard work, curiosity, and an independent spirit. He was the oldest of ten siblings, a role he carried with quiet strength. He graduated from South Pasadena High School, Class of 1965, where he proudly played football as Running Back #22, demonstrating early on the determination and grit that would define his life.
A gifted mechanic and problem-solver, Bob seemed able to fix -- or build -- anything. His hands were rarely still, and his mind was always working. He was the owner and founder of Bob's Motor Works from 1980 to 2005, where his mechanical skill and honest approach earned lasting respect. A sign hung in his office that captured his philosophy perfectly: "Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion; you have to set yourself on fire."
A true innovator, and captivating storyteller, Bob laid claim to the invention of the breakfast burrito, his signature creation lovingly known among friends and family as 'The Buffalo Rider' circa 1969 while working for Four J Motors, a Volkswagen dealership in Huntington Park as a mechanic. It was just another example of his creativity and ability to blend practicality with personality. Bob loved camping and boating, finding peace in the outdoors and joy in motion, whether on water, road, or trail. He lived life hands-on, always tinkering, always improving, and always curious.
He was the devoted father of Shannon and Cameron, and a proud grandfather to seven. His legacy continues through his three great-grandchildren, each one carrying forward his spirit. Bob's life included marriages with three and he is survived by his loving domestic partner, Bobbie Brown, who shared companionship and life with him in his later years.
"Bob's journey was one of constant motion and quiet determination. He leaves behind not just the things he built and fixed, but a blueprint for a life lived with grit, curiosity, and an independent spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who knew the man behind the legendary 'Buffalo Rider' nickname."
Legacy, April 4, 2026
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Loren Scott Shumer (1965)
I first met Bob at the junior high school. He was unique but also fun to be around. It was then when I first saw that BIG smile of his and heard his booming laugh, both of which stayed with him throughout all of his years.
One day for some unknown reason, we were standing around the shop building during the nutrition break and he said to a group of us, "Go ahead and hit me in the stomach. You can't hurt me." Boys being boys, we took out turns. When it was my turn, I pulled my punch since I didn't want to hurt him. To my chagrin, my effort did not phase Bob at all.
Toward the end of 8th grade, elections were held for the 9th grade leadership positions. I ran for the position, for want of a better description, the person who was responsible for scheduling the after school athletic schedules. Bob also ran for it. I was toast through the combination of Bob's campaign and Stephen Nowlin's fantastic campaign posters. I didn't stand a chance.
At SPHS we were teammates on the football team. Bob was a linebacker on defense and a halfback on offense. When we were seniors, Bob was a very vocal leader whereas I led by example. Bob was the heart and soul of the defense! I just did my thing, helping out the other defensive backs (It was Coach Bell's first year as a varsity coach; Ken Swift who had been the running back's and defensive back's coach the previous 3 or 4 years became the head coach at South Torrance High School -- I think. To be honest, Coach Bell, that year, was a little bit over his head as a varsity coach.) and I assisted the running backs in my inimitable fashion.
After graduation, I would see and talk to Bob at our reunions and other functions, most notably a dinner celebrating Coach Solari. Bob was always the same Bob Pieters that we knew in high school. As I'm trying to wrap my head around Bob's death, I turn to William Shakespear who posed a similar problem to Marc Anthony; he had his own problem in summing up the life of Brutus in Shakespear's play Julius Caesar.
ANTONY
This was the noblest Roman of them all...
He only in a general honest thought
And common good to all made one of them
His life was gentle and the elements
So mixed in him that nature might stand up
And say to all the world "This was a man."