Robert James Cleland, born August 13, 1944, passed away on July 24, 2025 at the age of 80. Born in Paisley, Scotland to John and Elizabeth “Betty” Cleland (nee Stewart), Robert was the eldest of three. He had a happy childhood in Paisley until 1968 when he moved to London to attend the London Polytechnic Institute where he became a Certified Chartered Accountant. He continued to work in London until he met the love of his life Christina “Christine” King whom he married on October 14, 1971. Shortly after their wedding, the young couple settled in Glenrothes, Scotland where he began working for FMC Corp. and they started their family. In 1979, Robert was offered a position within FMC that would transfer the young family of five to The Woodlands in Houston, Texas for what was initially to be a two year period, but ended up with The Woodlands becoming their new permanent home.
Robert and Christine made a happy life for themselves in The Woodlands, raising their three children there while he continued to work for FMC, ultimately as the CFO, until his retirement in 2004.
Robert loved traveling all over the world, especially with Christine; their favorite place to travel was their second home in Kingsbarns, Scotland. He loved to read, listen to classical music, go to the opera, and try new foods. He enjoyed a nice glass of red wine and an occasional dram of whisky. But, most of all, he enjoyed nothing more than being surrounded by the laughter, feisty opinions and good conversation of his family.
Robert is survived by his wife of 54 years, Christine Cleland, his daughter Emma and her husband Russell; daughter Fiona and her husband Joseph; and, son Robert and his wife Lindsay; his grandchildren Eleanor, Andrew, Matthew, Alexander, Caroline and Robert; his brother John and his dear sister Ann and nieces and nephews.
Robert was a much loved husband, dad and grandpa and will be sorely missed.
Robert’s family would like to thank the staff at The Forum of The Woodlands and of Oasis Hospice for their kind and loving care of him over the last several months.
Funeral services will be held at Cashner Funeral Home in Conroe, Texas, on August 9, 2025 at 10am.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you might consider a donation to:
Houston Area Parkinson’s Society 2700 Southwest Freeway, Suite 300, Houston, Texas 77098 www.haps.org
