Obituary of Robert Joseph Richard "Bob" Ireland

IRELAND: With heavy hearts and great sadness the family of Robert (Bob) Joseph Richard Ireland announce his passing on July 1, 2013 after a brief struggle with ALS. We lost a loving husband, devoted father, brother and a friend. Bob will be missed by all who knew him and lovingly remembered by his wife, Maggie and amazing sons Nathan and Curtis; brothers Andy Ireland (Connie Allen) and Cameron Ireland (Leanne and Bentley), sister Stella Egan (Chad), sister-in-law Kristin Yaworski-Lowdon (Mark, Makayla, and Khloe), brother-in-law Kevin Jr. Yaworski (Tara and Presley); mother and father-in-law Bev and Kevin Yaworski, step mother Roxanne Ireland and numerous extended family and friends that were dear to his heart. He was predeceased by both of his parents Clifford and Alice. Bob was born in Winnipeg, September 22, 1960 and raised in Brandon, MB. He loved Brandon and was adamant to raise his family there. He has many life long friends who were just like family to him. Bob started his career with CP Rail in Brandon on July 15, 1985. He had a long and fulfilling career and was an avid lover of the railway. Traveling was part of Bob's life and he enjoyed many new experiences with family and friends. He was the captain of his own boat and loved many outdoor activities such as boating, ski-dooing and ice fishing. Bob was a builder and a dreamer. He extended his skills to build a cabin at Sandy Lake, his current family home in Brandon and was recently planning on building his dream cabin and retirement home in Steep Rock, MB. Bob loved the lake and his vibrant personality attracted many new relationships. Bob will be remembered for many things. His big heart, sense of humor, and his way with words are a part of all who knew him. Family was his priority and watching his sons achieve and follow their dreams is important to him. His love for his sons, his kindness and compassion and willingness to go out of his way to help anyone in need were constants. He will be greatly missed and forever loved. A golden heart has stopped beating today. Hard working hands have been laid to rest. God broke our hearts to prove that heaven only takes the best. A Celebration of Bob's life was held at First Presbyterian Church on July 5, 2013 with The Rev. Dr. Dong-Ha Kim officiating. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, donations in memory of Bob may be made to the ALS Society of Manitoba, 493 Madison Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3J 1J2.