Robert Vaughn Esperti

Robert Vaughn Esperti, born February 15, 1967 in Detroit, Michigan died instantly in a motorcycle accident on Wednesday, August 14, 2024. He is survived by his wife, Windy, and children, Dani (18) and TJ (13), parents Bob and Lisbeth Esperti of Tucson, brother and sister-in-law, James and Michele Esperti, and nephews Lucas (18) and Vincent (18) of Bozeman.

Rob was a man of the mountains and the oceans. Growing up near Denver, he learned to ski, fly-fish, bird-hunt and camp. His family moved to Jackson Hole, WY where Rob met lifelong friends, graduated Jackson High class of 1985, furthered his love for skiing and music, was one of the first on the hill with a snowboard and sumitted The Grand. After a family trip to Hawaii, the ocean called Rob to attend college at San Diego State University where his “studies” included surfing and enjoying the TKE life where he added to his bank of lifelong friends. He briefly attended MSU studying architecture and making even more lifelong friends then graduated from The Advertising Arts College, San Diego in 1994.

While at TAAC, Rob met his soulmate and within months, Rob and Windy were engaged. They lived in Colorado while Windy was at UC Boulder then moved back to San Diego for the wedding in 1997. Within a year, they moved home to Bozeman and have since bounced between Bozeman, Tucson and San Diego.

While living in Cardiff by the Sea, Rob was senior faculty at The Art Institute of California, San Diego, teaching design, marketing, business, sales and pre-print production. For almost 14 years, he was one of the highest ranked teachers by students and touched many lives. Rob loved teaching and cared deeply about his students and fellow staff. During this time, Rob also earned his Masters degree in education, ran a successful screen printing company, Peak T-Shirts, and earned a purple belt with two stripes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Marcelo Pereira of Carlos Gracie, Jr.

In Cardiff, Rob and Windy grew their family, enjoying music, surfing, hikes, bike rides and chess games. They joined Swami’s Surf Club, participating in club-sponsored events such as Surfing with the Blind, Encinitas Holiday Parade, and The Grom surf contest which TJ won at the age of 5. A paddle-out is being planned, hopefully for this fall.

When The Art Institute began cutting back prior to closing, Rob moved his family to Bozeman where he opened Northern Rockies Painting. Referrals and customer relationships lasting for years illustrate his integrity and service were above par. Rob was thrilled to share the mountain life with his kids. They participated in alpine skiing with the Bridger Ski Foundation (BSF) with his daughter earning “most improved” her first year. The family spent many-a-day on the lakes, rivers, slopes and trails near Bozeman.

Rob had a passion for music and played his guitar with many friends and bands including Alter Ego, Ponderosa Kings, Bag O’Bones, Decibel Nest and others. He and his wife hosted an annual “path party” to raise awareness for the Fowler Connection. Music could be heard for miles; Sharing his gift and joy gave Rob a sense of fulfillment. A similar celebration is being planned in his honor on September 7th at 4:00 pm.

A memorial fund for his children is available in lieu of flowers at GiveSendGo.com/Esperti.