Robeal Jacob

Robeal Ezghibaiil Jacob didn't always remember his exact age - one of the risks of starting school a year early and having to believe you're 5 so you don't slip up and get found out. The first born of Baiil and Phyllis Jacob, Robe grew up in Detroit and Oak Park, Michigan with his sisters Temnit and Li'ya. From Birth, he loved and was thoroughly beloved. Robe was always reaching out and thinking up plans and adventures. For Robe, toys weren't just toys, they were the start of something. They could be used as characters in his stop gap animation videos. Or they could be taken apart to be put back together. Eventually, things would start working when he put them back together again (and if Temnit's Fisher Price record player or Li'ya's Lego phone had to be sacrificed to get to that point, they'd agree that it was worth it in the end). His mechanical skills bloomed and the used them well later on, in his work as a tech engineer and in his business, RobeTech. He was fiercely proud of his heritage. One of the last videos he shared on social media was his father cooking zigni for him. A highlight among all of his adventures was getting to visit Eritrea in 2013. He got to meet his grandmother for the first time, along with aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as explore his father's birthplace. He was elated and loved sharing how his family had cooked for him and danced with joy to finally have the opportunity to welcome him. Early on, Robe learned to move through different environments and demographics, while still being able to explore and develop his own interests. His strong sense of self allowed him to genuinely embrace people--accept them for who they are with true enjoyment, while entertaining, inspiring, listening, and supporting all the way. He connected with people in so many ways--while promoting or hosting events, powerlifting or getting hard-core workouts at the gym, working on cars, ("you done with that duece and a quarter yet?") and working with dogs (seriously, how can people not appreciate American Pit Bull Terriers?). He didn't always say "I love you" freely, but his loved ones didn't need to hear the words, because his actions spoke for him. Robeal Jacob is many things to many people and he leaves behind so many to cherish their time with him and celebrate his memory--his mother Phyllis, father Baiil, finacee Charnita Relf, sisters Temnit and Li'ya, cousin-siblings Asmara, Azieb, Bereket, SauRana, Hanna, and Yohan; nieces and nephew Tyla, Issayas, and Teagan; and countless extended family. And of course there are the hundreds if not thousands of friends, patrons, coworkers, and people of all walks of life who had the honor of meeting and knowing this truly one-of-a-kind human being. He will always be the "best guy ever"...