Dr. Robert “Bob” Ireland – husband, father, brother, friend, pastor, medical doctor, psychiatrist, and retired U.S Air Force colonel – surrounded by his loving wife, family, and friends, died May 28, 2022, at his home in Canyon Lake, California. He was 71.
Born February 27, 1951, in Bellevue, Ohio to Robert H. and Vonda (Myers) Ireland, Bob spent his formative years on the family farm where he acquired a love for music, playing the woodwind instruments with his grandfather and uncle – a passion he sustained throughout his life.
When his family moved to Long Beach, California his musical acumen garnered scholarships to Southern California Military Academy, and later Culver Military Academy, Indiana where he graduated Cum Laude in 1969.
With an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy in hand, Bob changed direction and attended Long Beach State University and later Kansas State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in 1973.
Acting on his faith and call to the Word, Bob attended Claremont School of Theology, California where he received his Master of Arts in 1975, and later Doctor of Ministry in 1977. Bob was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church and served churches in Kansas and Southern California.
Bob felt a medical degree would enhance his capacity to assist others both in health and spirit. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from the University of South Carolina, School of Medicine in 1985 – an Alpha Omega Alpha member.
Returning to a calling to serve our nation, Bob was commissioned in the U.S. Air force (USAF) and completed his internship at Eglin AFB, Florida, and primary course in aerospace medicine at Brooks AFB, Texas.
Bob served as a USAF Flight Surgeon and hyperbaric physician for the 964th AWAC Squadron, Tinker AFB, Oklahoma, and later the 67th Fighter Squadron and 6990 Electronic Security Squadron, Okinawa, Japan.
Bob completed residency requirements to become a board-certified psychiatrist at Wilford Hall Medical Center and the University of Texas Health Science Center facilities in San Antonio, Texas. Assignments followed to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska as the behavioral health flight commander and later as chief neuropsychiatrist and consultant to the USAF Surgeon General back at the School of Aerospace Medicine, Brooks AFB, Texas.
Rising to the rank of colonel, Bob finished his Air Force career as the Department of Defense Program director for Mental Health Policy, Pentagon, Washington D.C.
Throughout his 24 years in the U.S. Air Force, Bob published, lectured, and instructed worldwide from England to South Africa, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Spain. His military honors and decorations include the Pacific Air Forces Flight Surgeon of the Year, two Sikorsky Helicopter Rescue Awards, the Joint Meritorious Service Medal for service as triage/field medical officer for 18,000 evacuees in Cebu, Philippines in response to the Mount Pinatubo eruption, the Defense Superior Service Medal for service as the Defense Department’s Mental Health Policy Program director, along with numerous other awards and accommodations.
Following military retirement in 2009, Bob and his wife, Terri, bought a home in California to be closer to family. In retirement, Bob shifted his energy to volunteer work at the Claremont School of Theology, Center for Processed Studies, where he rekindled friendships and assisted in the development of the “Seizing an Alternative: Toward an Ecological Civilization” mega conference. Concerning his work at Claremont, Bob remarked, “this is full circle for me.”
Beyond his volunteer work, Bob and Terri traveled with family and friends to Mexico, Canada, and Alaska. They sailed the British Virgin Islands, attended Washington State Kite Festivals, were regulars at Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and traveled to Virginia for family reunions.
Complementing a towering intellect, Bob reflected a divine light of kindness, humility, empathy, and unconditional love, not only to his family and friends but to all whom he encountered.
A man of countless accomplishments, Bob’s most cherished moments were found in his capacity as husband, father, and grandfather (Papa).
Bob is survived by his wife of 50 years, Terri (Owen), daughter Rhea (Liz) Ireland, son-in-law Jerry Poucher, and grandson Marty James, Canyon Lake, CA, sister Beth Witt, Long Beach, CA and brother Steve Ireland, Fallbrook, CA
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for August 20, 2022, at 1 p.m. at Riviera United Methodist Church, 375 Palos Verdes Blvd., Redondo Beach, CA.
