Robert McGraw Worland

Robert McGraw Worland died February 22, 2011 at St. Luke's Hospital in Kansas City, Mo. Bob, who was born January 25, 1961, was predeceased by his mother, Catherine Patricia Worland. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Janine Worland and by his son, Blake Worland. He is also survived by his father William Worland and step mother Maida Worland; a sister, Kathy Worland Nigro and a step sister, Julie Sterrett and her husband, Kevin. Bob is also survived by nieces and nephews Ross Ryan, Rudy Jr., Kristen, Shannon, and Alex Nigro and David Leatherwood.

Bob attended Cure of Ars Grade School, Rockhurst High School (Class of 1979) and Creighton University, where he was a member of Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity.

Bob was a championship swimmer in his youth and in recent years shared his time and expertise as head coach of the boys and the girls swimming teams at The Barstow School.

His outgoing personality led him to a career in sales where he worked with Risk Placement Services of Kansas City in insurance; and later with REMAX of Louisburg, Kansas; and the Reece and Nichols Kristen Malfer Group in real estate.

He most enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Bob truly loved animals. He raised and trained championship horses, all of whom were well known on the barrel racing circuit, including Sundance Smoke, Miss Chili Credit, and Little Son of a Gun; and dogs Sigma, Bentley, Bandit, and Lucky Dog Worland to whom he gave the run of the house.

Bob, Janine, and Blake traveled extensively, especially to follow Blake's exploits on the barrel racing circuit. Bob enjoyed golf, water sports, warm weather locations, and making everyone jealous of his incredibly perfect, deep suntan, which was most recently perfected as he celebrated his 50th birthday with Janine in the Caribbean.

Reverend Russell Brown will preside at a ceremony celebrating Bob's life to be held Saturday, February 26, 2011, at 2:00p.m. at The Church of The Resurrection in the Wesley Covenant Chapel located at 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, Kansas. Visitation will be held Friday, February 25th, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., in the Wesley Covenant Chapel.

Honorary pallbearers include Dave Dare, Kevin McCarthy, Steve Mikuls, Paul Miller, Jim Sanders, Rick Sinclair, and Joel Stinson.

The family wishes to extend their love and appreciation to their family, friends, and business associates who have embraced them during this most difficult time, with special thanks to the paramedics, and the doctors and nurses of St. Luke's Hospital, who took care of Bob.

The family suggests that those wishing to make a donation in Bob's name, consider Wayside Waifs located at 3901 Martha Truman Road in Kansas City, Missouri 64137, in recognition of his love of animals. Bob touched so many lives, more than even he knew. He will be terribly missed and never forgotten.