Robert (Bob) John Kirkland
1947 - 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) John Kirkland on April 16, 2025, in his 78th year.
Bob was born in Chatham, Ontario, the eldest of six children of Stuart and Mary (née Miller) Kirkland. He graduated from the University of Windsor in 1973 with a degree in Social Studies and earned his teaching certificate in 1974. He met his wife Jo-Ann (née King) while at university, wooing her with cheeky love letters and a quiet charm that would stay with him throughout his life.
He began his career as an elementary school teacher, later working as a chemical operator at Bruce Power for nearly three decades. Even after retirement, Bob returned to the classroom as a supply teacher, continuing into his seventies. He was still teaching a month before his first hospital admission.
Bob was a man of quiet determination, dry wit, and unwavering devotion to his family. His strength came not from grand gestures, but from being a dependable presence in every chapter of his family’s life. Bob was incredibly intelligent, and could have easily been on Jeopardy, but he would never admit to that!
Bob and Jo-Ann were married for 55 years and raised seven children. They also endured a great loss with the death of their beloved daughter, Jessica, at just 12 years old. An experience that shaped their lives forever. Still, Bob remained steady, offering quiet comfort and stability in times of grief and joy alike.
Bob will be dearly missed by his wife Jo-Ann and their children: Karah (Kelly), Emilie (Rob), Elizabeth (Scott), Charlotte (Dave), Melissa (Derek), and Cameron (Chantal). Bob was a proud grandfather to Krystin (Craig), Ethan, Connor, Mason, Jessica, Ben, Emma, Alex, Jack, Abby, Sarah, Sebastian, and Eve, and a great-grandfather to Brielle and Brynlee.
Bob will also be missed by his siblings Betty (Peter), Nina (Ken), David (Jane), Don (Jackie) and Stuart and their children. He was predeceased by his parents, Stuart and Mary Kirkland, and his daughter, Jessica.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Sainte-Marie Among the Hurons - (Restaurant Sainte-Marie, 16164 ON-Highway 12 East, Midland, Ontario) on May 25, 2025, from 1-4pm. Please feel free to drop in or stay as long as you'd like.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory may be made to St. Teresa’s Catholic Secondary School in Midland via e-transfer to: mrkirklandmemorialfund@proton.me
We will miss Bob’s quiet strength, his practical kindness, and his simple yet enduring reminders—like the one he often gave our mom during hard times: “Keep your stick on the ice.” We will, we promise! And we’ll never forget you…
Messages and condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237.