Robert Newton Modeland

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Bob Modeland on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at the age of 75 years. Born in May of 1945, Bob graced the town of Guelph, Ontario until at age 19 he enlisted in the army, first as regular army and then later re-enlisting in the army service core. After receiving an honorable discharge he headed west, using the skills he had acquired to make his fortune driving truck until September of 1970, when during a night run down the Kananaskis Trail near Skogan Peak, a dispute over the right of way with several tons of falling rock took away his right arm.

Never one to admit he knew the meaning of defeat, he fought his way back from death’s door and turned to other trades that continued his love of trucking and automotives, including dispatch, welding, and all around automotive mechanics.

Bob and his mother Ada were both avid campers and fly fishers. Before her death in 1999 he enjoyed nothing better than driving her and their overloaded travel trailer out at every opportunity.

Robert was often gruff and had a colourful vocabulary, but once you got to know him you found he could be a devout friend who would do what he could to help those he cared about. He was always joking with those around him, trying to get a laugh or at least a smile from them. His odd blend of sometimes inappropriate humor plus his direct and to the point personality will be missed by all those who took the time to get to know him.

A Private Funeral Service will be held at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) with Interment to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. Attendance to the service will be by invitation only.

Memorial donations in Bob’s name will be gratefully accepted by the Royal Canadian Legion.