Unfortunately another loss to the MMA community. Robert Pittman passed away. He ran TapouT Magazine and MMA Worldwide and if you spent anytime around the MMA scene, especially in southern California you probably crossed paths at some point or another.
Robert's son Bobby worked on the magazines and it was his love of MMA that inspired a change from Bodyguard Magazine to TapouT. Daughter Nicole (Coley) also worked at the magazine(s). I worked on their TV show MMA Worldwide in 09 but knew them before that. At the time we needed an editor for the show and I had seen the Mayhem Show episodes on youtube and contacted the videographer/editor Chris Staab. Chris ended up moving to California from Hawaii to work on the show and married Nicole and they had a son.
Out of respect for the family I won't go into what I am told were the circumstances of the tragic passing. I would however like to tell a short story. I hope that my memories are relatively accurate. Mr. Pittman's father died at a young age. With his mother being without husband and financial troubles Pittman started work at a young age and didn't finish school. He worked to support his mother. Over time he vowed never to be that poor again and worked very hard. Starting at a fast food restaurant he worked his way up to manager, then got into the printing business. Despite the lack of education he became very successful in that business. Later on he started TapouT Magazine with his son.
He was a hard ass but I always respect the guy. Thoughts and prayers to his friends and family.
-James Hergott
UPDATE: The memorial service for Dad will be on Saturday, December 22nd at 2PM at Forest Lawn at 4471 Lincoln Ave., Cypress, CA 90630. Thanks everyone.
Robert F. Pittman was born on July 2, 1954 and passed away on December 10, 2012. Let it be known that first and foremost Bob loved his family. He was an amazing husband, a dedicated father, a protective brother, uncle and friend to all. He was one of the most giving men you will ever meet, and he made it his life's mission to put a smile on the face of everyone that crossed paths with him along the way. Bob's life was full of accomplishments. He graduated from Marina High School, completed Dale Carnegie Business Training, and he even held the title of being president of ABC/ Capital Cities. Later, he opened Robert John Industries, and won "Entrepreneur of the Year" in 1989. He rose from inserter to partner after 23 years at Trend Offset Printing, and then opened SMP. There, he created and published 3 national newsstand magazines. In order to continue his list of accomplishments, we would need much more paper and ink… but to sum up Bob Pittman, he was a salesman through and through. If you could ask Bob now to look back on what he would consider to be his greatest accomplishment in life, Bob would most likely sum up his greatest joy with one word, "family." Robert is survived by his wife, Sheree; his children, Coley, Bobby, Danny, Tanner, Cody, Nicky; his grandchildren, Haven and Adrian; his sister, Carol; and his brother, Chuck. But… for Bob, the list would continue to include his family, friends, business associates and the many other people whose lives he had touched throughout his life's journey. On Saturday, December 22 at 2PM we will all join together at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Cypress, CA to remember Robert F. Pittman. Saturday will be a day to come together and share the great memories of his life with those who loved him.
