Robert "Bob" Elias Harland

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather Bob Harland. Bob is survived by the love of his life, Florence to whom he was married for 57 years. Bob was the cherished father of Tom (Lori), Nancy (Tim), Mary Jo (Paul), David (Anna) and daughter in law Michelle. Bob also leaves13 grandchildren who have given him never ending joy. He is also survived by sister in laws, Margaret Harland, Jean Hindmarch and Eileen Dixon as well as by many loving nieces and nephews.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Harry and Mary, his brothers Stan and Harry and his son, Bobby in 2004.

Bob was born in Minnedosa, Manitoba on October 5,1928 and raised on his parents homestead at NW19-13-17W1. Bob was one of three brothers who spent their childhood playing and working on the family farm with their father. There were many stories told of the adventures and troubles they had growing up together. Bob attended grade school at the Moore Park school and finished his grade 12 at Minnedosa Collegiate. Upon completion of grade school, he attended the University of Manitoba graduating with a bachelor of science in Agriculture.

After graduating, he took up employment with Canada Packers first in Brandon, Manitoba then moving to Moose Jaw. At that time another opportunity came and with that he began a long and successful career as a Landman in the oil and gas industry.

It was at that time another wonderful opportunity came about when he was introduced to a wonderful young lady, Florence Dixon, who was teaching school in Shaunavon, Sask. It wasn't long for Dad to realize he had found the person he would spent the rest of his life with. On June 29,1957, they were married in Regina.

At that time they began their life together and over the next number of years the family grew with the addition of five children. Tom in 1958, Nancy in 1959, Mary Jo in 1961 Bobby in1963 and finally David (who Dad said was a pretty good guy) in 1966. Dad filled those years with laughter and adventures and laid the foundations for what remains today as a close and loving family.

In 1969, Dad left Marathon Oil, loaded up the wagon and headed west to Calgary to continue working in the oil and gas sector. He worked for several companies including Canadian Paific, Great Plains and finally Norcen Energy Resources where he was Senior Land Manager at the time of his retirement in 1994 It was at that time he made the decision to start his own business and created Roberts Energy which he continued to run until the time of his passing.

While Dad left the farm to go to school and ultimately have a career and raise a family his heart truly never left the family farm. No holiday was complete until we had all been back to the home farm. In 1994 a dream was realized when he purchased the home quarter from his brother and he truly had come "home". While Calgary was still where Dad spent the winters every summer he was off to the farm as soon as the snow was off the lane. The farm became the focal point for Dad and countless family gatherings and many, many joyous times were held. The farm kept Dad busy and young. Whether fixing the barn roof, cutting the acres of grass or harvesting his garlic crop, he was where he belonged.

Dad was a very private man and very principled and one not to show emotion but he very much loved his family and was so proud of all their accomplishments. Countless hours were spent at the hockey rinks, ball diamonds, soccer pitches, riding arenas, swimming pools and gymnasiums watching first his children and most recently all his grandchildren play.

He believed in education and letting it be the vehicle that would drive our success and we are forever grateful.

We have been blessed to have this man in our life as a father, as a grandfather, as a friend and most of all as a husband.

Bob will be greatly missed by all, but especially by Florence who shared many a wonderful adventure and many times simply with each other . They would have been married 57 years this June 29 and those years and cherished memories will give comfort and be thankful for.

We are all so thankful that Dad was able to be healthy and active and able to still go to the farm up until this past year.

The family would very much like to thank all of those at the Peter Lougheed Centre in the Emergency, the ICU departments and Ward 49 for all your care and compassion in treating Dad with such respect and love. And to Dr. Fisher for your care and concern for Dad and for Mom. Thank you.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Bob's life will be held on Thursday April 24, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at Fosters Garden Chapel, 3220 – 4th Street N.W., Calgary.

Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca

FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIUM