ROBERT BENN LAND

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ROBERT BENN LAND M.Ed., B.Ed., B.Sc. 1938 - 2011 Robert Land passed away peacefully at home on Monday evening, January 10, 2011. His passing was unexpected and has left us all sorrowful because of the fine man he was. He will forever be remembered with love by his wife, Sheilah, and by his children, Sterling (Megan Mills) and Monroe (Ian Williamson). Bob was a man of strengths which he exerted with a kind hand. His love of education encompassed his extended family of students and teacher colleagues throughout both rural and urban Manitoba. His career of 48 years was a life dedicated to bettering the education of both students and professional colleagues. One of his passions was seeing the triumph of kids who may not have shared Bob's love of scholastics initially but who finally reached that point where academic and vocational success became theirs. To that end, the Bob Land Scholarship Award was presented the last three years to deserving Miles Macdonnell Collegiate graduates. Bob also took pleasure in seeing the success of the Murdoch Motorsports Club at Murdoch MacKay Collegiate; he truly valued the growth of vocational programs at Murdoch over the years. He was particularly proud of the staff whose drive and energy ensured the vibrancy of these programs. Bob was always appreciative of the work of teachers, administrative assistants, and instructional assistants at his schools --- and in turn, they appreciated Bob's support and respect. He regarded these people as part of his extended family. Robert volunteered many hours to the Manitoba Teachers Society from the 1970s until retirement in 2008. Serving on the Transcona-Springfield and River East Teachers' Associations and on the Provincial Executive of the Society provided an opportunity to share his sense of optimism and his support of professional colleagues. Known for his level-headedness (and for his memory!), Bob Land brought both wisdom and a sense of humour to many discussions. Bob grew up in Tilston, Manitoba and was educated at Brandon College, the University of Winnipeg, and the University of Manitoba. On a recommendation from the Dean of Education in Brandon, Bob began teaching on permit in Vita and Gimli, where he realized his life calling. Life took on a new future when he met Sheilah Clark in her first year of teaching at Tilston in 1961. Married in 1962, they have enjoyed a long and loving marriage. Bob loved his family beyond belief, and was a hands-on father right from the start. He encouraged Sterling and Monroe in their understanding the importance of higher education, and to that end, Robert supported them in their grade school and university successes. To find them at this time in responsible careers and to see as well the accomplishments of both their spouses made Robert smile with pride. He was very pleased that his own parents' values continue in both Sterling and Monroe. Also surviving Robert are his sister, Grace; his brother Bernard (Mary) and five nieces and nephews. He is also survived by brother-in-law Garry Clark (Ollie), and by sisters-in-law Zelda Yeoman (Tom) and Colleen Miller (Garry) and their children. Predeceasing Bob were parents Benn and Ruth Land of Tilston and his sister, Marion; and Charlie and Anne Clark of Treherne. Robert held a special place in his heart for friends John (dec) and Edith Shawn and their family and for Norman (dec) and Beth Philip and their family. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, January 16 at 1:00 p.m. at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. Thomson In the ParK 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 14, 2011