On Tuesday, October 20, 2020, Roberto “Robbie” Orontes-Debrell Cabezas, son, brother, friend, passed away at the age of 25.
Robert was born on June 8, 1995, in Las Vegas, NV, to Orontes A. Cabezas and Leslie (Pennock).
Robert was kind, thoughtful, and generous. He had the best sense of humor. He could slay you with a one-liner, or find the upside or humor in anything. Robert always thought of others first and was able to continue helping others with his passing. Robert loved living life to the fullest and brought a burst of energy and joy to everything he did.
Five years ago Robert was given the opportunity to be one of the first students in a brand new program called The Other Side Academy. Our family will forever be grateful to David Durocher, Joseph Grenny, Steve and Lola Strong, the Berry family, and so many others that became mentors and family to Robert. They saw the potential Robert had and were a huge part of him growing into the amazing man he was becoming.
“Robbie was one of our first graduates. He brought a monster work ethic, a kindness, humor, warmth and integrity that lifted our house and helped us become a family. He helped build the moving company and establish corporate development. I remember Alan saying he worried about accepting him as one of the first students because he was so young. And yet he became a powerful mentor to men much older than him. His voice carried authority. He would call out moral compromises in anyone, including staff. He worked as hard or harder than anyone else. If it was heavy, hard or uncomfortable, he would do it. Thank you, Robert Cabezas, for helping make The Other Side Academy what it is today for the thousands who will follow you.” Joseph Grenny.
Robert is survived by both parents, Suzette Messersmith Cabezas (Mom), siblings Arali (Lili) Cabezas, Sesh Messersmith, Anthony Gray, Amelia Cabezas, Jeff Johnson, Aaron Gray, Austin Berry, 2 grandmothers and a grandfather, and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.
Thank you, Robert, for bringing us many years of love, laughter, and friendship. Thank you for teaching all of us to think of the other guy first. You are loved, you will be missed. We’ll see you on The Other Side.
There will be an open house memorial service to remember and honor Robert’s life on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at Le Jardin at the Rose Shop, 1910 East Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.), Sandy, UT, between 2:00 and 4:00 PM, as long as covid restrictions allow. Masks will be required to allow more people to come and pay their respects to Robert.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting that donations be made to https://www.theothersideacademy.com/how-to-help.html in memory of Robert Cabezas.
Robbie, we love and miss you so much. Fly high brother. Youe one soul that was taking to soon one friend NEVER to FORGOTTEN. You're missed by many. Especially all the lives you had such an impact on. We know your up there shining down on us all! Love you brother, until we meet again. God bless you and your family. R.I.P .
Robert,
You will be so very missed.. We had so many good times. I hope you are up there doing the Kat daddy and smiling as you always did while you were here.. You are free now brother. I absolutely loved having you apart of our lives and now I m grateful to have another angel. Shine down on us from time to time my friend. We love you
Robyn Paxton and Matthew Sims
We were so lucky to know Robbie for a short time. He lived in our basement apartment for several months. He was an ideal tenant. He helped us maintain the house, brought us treats periodically, and introduced us to Sancho, the corgi. Robbie was effusive, kind, helpful, friendly and took care of the people in his life. We miss him and were so grateful to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.