Obituary of Robert 'Bob' George Kelland

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.