Robert ‘Bob’ George Kelland
May 13, 2020
Always loving, always kind. It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Bob on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, after a brief stay in hospital. Born February 18, 1930 to Robert (1935) and Edna (1978). Brother of Dorothy and Madeline (1976). He shared 63 remarkable years of marriage with Margaret and was the proud father of Rob (Amanda) and Kelly.
Bob proudly grew up on Kensington Ave. in London, Ontario and attended Beal Tech Secondary School. He then went on to become an architectural draftsman with Roy James, McKay-Cocker, and freelancing primarily with Crown Homes. He designed what would become his family home, in Oakridge Acres, for nearly 60 years. This design went on to win the Architectural Award of Excellence. In his early years, he played the saxophone and clarinet with big bands in the local area. He loved his two basset hounds, that were not only treasured by his family, but by the neighbourhood as well. Over his lifetime, Bob forged many great, lasting friendships. His gentleness as a husband, father, grandfather and friend always embodied humbleness and quiet leadership.
He enjoyed summer trips with his family centered around his love of sports. His passion for gardening was second only to the dedication he and Margaret had to their children’s sports. Bob and Margaret never missed a game of Rob or Kelly’s. He and Margaret proudly attended the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta to support their daughter Kelly in softball. Bob was always proud of Kelly’s athletic accomplishments and her athletic scholarship to Ohio State University. Whether he was watching Kelly at the ball diamond or Rob at the hockey rink and ball diamond, he always watched with happiness and loyalty. Bob was a quiet rock in his children’s lives. His humility, kindness, sense of humour, and being a gentleman were some of his best traits. Bob engrained these traits in Rob’s life which have endured during his 36 years at ScotiaMcLeod.
In his final year, he had the joy of meeting his first grandson, Samuel. Bob and Sam immediately bonded and shared the same contented, quiet soul. This was nurtured over ten months of many moments laughing and cuddling. Bob also embraced three step-grandchildren Collin, Cameron and Clara with the marriage of Rob and Amanda.
A private service will take place at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, London, with interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. In lieu of donations, spend time with your family, enjoy your pets and make a toast to enduring friendships.
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My deepest sympathies on the passing of this gentle soul. It was an honour to have known him. My thoughts are with the family.
My deepest condolences to you Marg, Kelly, and Rob. May the sorrow that you feel in your heart today be overshadowed by the love you received from your husband and father throughout your life. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. Know that from afar I am thinking of you and sending you love and strength. Holding all of you close in my thoughts and heart!
Please accept our sincere condolences in the loss of your father. May you find comfort in a lifetime of memories of happier times.
Please accept my sincere condolences. Your dad was a wonderful, generous and kind man. It has been over three decades since I have seen him, but the kindness he showed me then, remains in my heart. I loved your beautiful home in Oakridge Acres. May he now rest in peace. Marg, I am sending you a big hug, luv, Nadia
Sending you our deepest sympathy and very sorry we cannot be with you at this time. That is a wonderful and touching tribute to his life that the family has out together. Dorothy Steels, Charlene & Rick Redman
Hi Marg, I had a tear in my eye this morning reading about Bob. Although our acquaintance was short, it was never the less endearing. I always looked forward to seeing you and Bob coming through the door at the "Bud" on Friday nights for the hockey game. Our enjoyable conversations often led up to game time. Who knew we had the same Doctor, and still do. I will cherish those greetings forever. God bless and stay safe. John J Day Gate 4 usher, Budweiser Gardens, 2010-2014
Sincere condolences Margaret to you and your family.
My sincere condolences for your loss.Bob was a wonderful,caring,loving person.Rest in peace ,you will be remembered.
I started my career at McKay-Cocker a long time ago on a drafting board beside Bob ,I was fresh out of Fanshawe and he was a great mentor for me in those years. Bob was a quiet hard working guy with a great style,his sense of humour was enjoyable to see especially when there was a stressful situation to meet deadlines! I had a huge amount of respect for this man during the time I knew him,my condolences to Marg and the 'kids'
Rob, please accept our condolences on the loss of your father. That he met and got to know and have the joy of the presence of in his life of his grandson, Sam, even if for a short time, is a memory that you and Amanda will treasure. Losing a parent, no matter how old, is difficult. We hope that the pain you feel at your loss, will, with time, be replaced with fond recollections of your wonderful father.
We will tip our glasses......"To Absent Friends"and think of Bob. Your words describing this wonderful person are perfect. Thinking of you all.
My sincere condolences to you and you and your wife.
I'm very sorry for your loss Rob and Kelly and family!
Rob, my sincere condolences to you and your family. Peace and blessings to all.
Memories
Marg, we were so sorry to learn of Bob's passing he was such a good man I still miss our talks over the fence. We hope you are doing well and our thoughts are with you. Take care
~ Peter & Kay Hickey