Bob was not only one of our best authors, he was a good friend as well. He once told me that he was proud of his accomplishments, one of them being that he published two novels in his 80s.
He was inspired to write his first novel, Angel’s Truth, when he had to report for jury duty and sat in on a similar case. His second crime book, Justifiable, was inspired when he lived in West Virginia for many years.
Bob also won awards for his books from the Northern California Publishers & Authors, the 26th Annual Book Awards Competition 2019 winning Second Place in the Fiction Category for Angel’s Truth.
Jon Irelan, Bob’s son, posted this heart-warming tribute to his Dad on Facebook that we would like to share.
Bob with Bowie
I arrived in Sacramento on February 18 and Melissa has been with me for the last five weeks. Since then we have been blessed to spend every day with my Dad who also happens to be my best friend, golf buddy, the person who always encouraged me to do my best, the one who challenged me to pursue my dreams, goals and ambitions. He taught me right from wrong as he lived life in a compassionate and giving manner. Those are just a few life lesson my Dad bestowed on me and many others.
When people talk about my Dad, they described him as caring, as a person who helped others become better, thoughtful, smart, the best boss they every had, an author, educator, loyal, funny, cultured, and a true gentleman.
On April 28, the world lost a great man and our family lost a Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa. I am heartbroken, as is the family, but we are glad Dad is no longer suffering. We hope Dad is dancing in clouds with my Mom, brother Bobby, baby Dylan and all his friends who went before him.
It is a bittersweet feeling going home tonight because I feel I am leaving so much behind.
Thank you to Melissa for being the daughter my Dad never had, you are an amazing wife and care person. To Judith who has been there for my Dad throughout this battle, we love you. To all the staff at #UCDavisCancerCenter…Dad fought the good fight for 2.5 years. Thanks to Jonathan, Kiersten, Jack and the kiddos for your love and support. To the staff at #CarltonSeniorLiving, you are amazing angels, To the family gang, Kimberly, Wally, Ray, Ron, Janice, Paula and so many others, Melissa and I thank you for your support.
I miss you Dad…Your words glowed with the gold of sunshine.
More to come…and I can’t wait to hug my Bowie.
About Bob in his own words
My commitment to writing began as a student, majoring in journalism at the University of Maryland, and it grew steadily throughout my career.
Following 10 years of newspaper and magazine reporting, writing, and editing, including stints at The Wall Street Journal and Nation’s Business Magazine in Washington, DC, I spent 32 years in public relations for a Fortune 500 family of companies. As a corporate officer, I directed the companies’ internal and external communications for the last 12 of those years. Whatever my responsibility, writing was the most-used vehicle.
In retirement, I taught a public relations course for two years at University of the Pacific and for five years at University of California, Davis, Extension.
A native of Maryland, I’ve lived in California (three times), West Virginia, and Texas. I currently live in Rancho Murieta, California, with my cat, Jocko.
Until writing Angel’s Truth — One teenager’s quest for justice, I did not knowingly write fiction.
AWARDS
Northern California Publishers & Authors
26th Annual Book Awards Competition 2019, Angel’s Truth – Second Place Fiction Category
accomplishments, one of them being that he published two novels in his 80s.
My commitment to writing began as a student, majoring in journalism at the University of Maryland, and it grew steadily throughout my career.
Books of the NY Times
accomplishments, one of them being that he published two novels in his 80s.
