Obituary of Robert James McClelland

October 2, 1939 - Swift Current, Saskatchewan

September 19, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Bob McClelland of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the age of 84 years.

Bob was born in Swift Current, SK, on October 2, 1939, while his family residence was in Neidpath, SK. From Neidpath, his Dad joined the army, bringing them to Eastern Canada during the war years. Bob and his Mom returned to Saskatchewan, where his sister was born while his Father attended university in Saskatoon. In 1948 the family moved to Swift Current where Bob spent most of his formative years.

He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Arts and later went on to complete a Bachelor of Education from the University of Regina.

Bob accomplished much throughout his life; however, his most memorable career was as a journalist. He was particularly proud of his time as a reporter for the Leader Post in Regina, the Canadian Press in Edmonton, and the Calgary Herald. He finished his career as a speech writer for the Minister of Labour in the province of Ontario.

If you knew Bob, you knew these three things about him; he loved peanut butter, loved to travel, and loved his kids.

Bob’s kids would say that their best memories were of family trips, especially camping. Road trips consisted of listening to tape after tape of some of his favourite artists. Crystal Gayle, Roger Whittaker, and Nana Mouskouri made the top of his list, but he had a wide repertoire of music. He was most proud of the CD collection he curated for his annual trips to Palm Springs, CA. He would always say, “I could listen to my music for three days straight.” 

Bob took a keen interest in history and was an avid reader of Canadian history. He always said to his children, “How do you know where you are going if you don’t know where you are from?” He was a wise man, and his children found strength in his counsel. His children were very important to him, and he showed a lot of wisdom when he chose the mother of his children.

In the early days as a dad, Bob had to use his journalist skills to detect things like small firecrackers in his cigarettes (back when smoking was good for you), thanks to his son Dean. He also helped his oldest son Scott hone his showmanship and literally watched hundreds of hours of magic performances.

Another interest Bob had was travel; he lived to travel. His most memorable trips were abroad to Great Britain, Europe, and his second home in California. Thankfully, he met Marj to help him decorate that home because, while he thought he was a great decorator, we all knew otherwise (insert wink).

When Bob became a Grandpa, he took the time to pass on his love of history, along with that incredible smile. This past year, Bob became a Great-Grandpa. When he was introduced to the newest addition to the family he said, “Hey Wyatt, I am your Great-Grandpa.” It may not sound like anything special, but it was the way he said it with pride and joy. This was very touching as it was during a time when his memory was fading.

Bob is survived by his daughter Patty Grant (nee McClelland) and son-in-law Garett Grant, of High River, AB. He is also survived by his two sons, Scott McClelland of Spencerville, ON, and Dean McClelland of Calgary, AB; and his two grandchildren, Connor Grant and Kennedy (Jared) South (nee Grant) of Calgary, AB. He is also joyfully survived by the newest addition to our family, great-grandchild Wyatt South of Calgary, AB.

He is also survived by his sister Valerie Anderson (nee McClelland) and brother-in-law Tony Bailey of Okotoks, AB; nieces, Delaine Anderson and Kim Anderson Cobb of Regina, SK; his former wife Sonia Ferguson (nee Lewchuk McCelland) of Calgary, AB; as well as the daughters of his late partner Marj Fox (2016), Cheryl Sundell (Randy Gray), Lynette Blayney (Bill), and their families, all of whom reside in Calgary.

Bob was predeceased by his parents, Judge Robert (Harold) McClelland and Ethel McClelland (nee Wayling) of Regina, SK; and his brother-in-law Dennis Anderson (2019).

On the last page of his book, Bob entered a new season requiring additional health support and care. His daughter Patty became his new best friend. She has the proof, as she literally took over fifty selfies with Bob, which included photos together at Tim Hortons, Heritage Park, the Courtyard, and many in his “cozy” home. Right up until his final moments, he was still Bob… still squeezing our hand or managing a smile. We were so lucky to have him in our life.

When you think of Bob, what do you think of? I bet you said one of these three things... peanut butter, his smile, or his happy dance! We hope that this is how you remember him.

An informal Gathering will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek Hospitality Centre, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bob was a simple man and would most appreciate friends and family gathering around music, peanut butter, and conversation.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, www.cancer.ca/en/ or to The Salvation Army, 420 9 Ave SE Calgary, AB T2G 0R9, Telephone: 403-410-1111, www.salvationarmycalgary.org.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Bob’s family here.

In living memory of Robert James McClelland, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.