On Feb. 3, 2020 the Bonita Vista High (BVH) community was impacted by the death of the school’s Director of Operations for girls’ soccer, Robert Blas. Blas worked in this position for six years at BVH and “kept the entire program organized [and] running smoothly,” according to varsity Head Coach for girls’ soccer Kiko Medina.

Prior to that he worked as the Director of Operations for girls’ soccer at Eastlake High (ELH). Throughout his career, Blas coached a number of sports, such as lacrosse, soccer and football at both middle and high schools within and outside of the Sweetwater Union High School District (SUHSD). He himself was an alumnus of SUHSD, graduating from Montgomery High School in 1987. In addition to his role as a coach, Blas worked as an instructional aide at ELH.

Blas was born on May 19, 1969 and was 50 years old at the time of his death. Blas is survived by his four brothers and mother Josefina Blas. R. Blas’ funeral service took place on Feb. 20 at St. Charles Catholic Church, after a visitation on Feb. 19 at the Glen Abbey chapel in Bonita, CA. He is remembered by colleagues and students as someone dedicated and kind.