After a full life, long-time Plumas County resident Robert David McIlroy passed away peacefully at home with his children by his side, the sun and a smile on his face. He was born on Dec. 4, 1936, and passed away on Dec. 17, 2023, at 87.
Robert, or Bob as many knew him, lived an active life until he was diagnosed in October with glioblastoma multiforme, a terminal brain cancer. When Bob received his diagnosis, he first lamented, “but I love my life so much,” and then with his signature optimism and perseverance in the face of challenges, he declared that whatever time he had left was like the prize at the bottom of a box of Cracker Jacks. His wish was to spend his last months in the Plumas area he loved so much. The ability to honor his last wishes with the support of the community has been a great gift to Bob’s children.
Born to Thomas McIlroy and Dorothy McIlroy (née McKeever) in Hammond, Indiana, Bob grew up in an Irish-American family in a working-class neighborhood. He had fond memories of his Aunt Maggie, Uncle Joe, and cousins living nearby. As a young boy, he played marbles and engaged in shenanigans like throwing snowballs at cars. He started his first paper route at the age of 11.
Bob was a first-generation college student who put himself through Purdue University by working as a school janitor. In addition to graduating with a degree in engineering, he also joined the SAE fraternity. Later, he lived briefly in New York City and then moved to Southern California with his first wife, Marlene McIlroy (née Kilcullen) to work in the aerospace industry. In his thirties, he then went to law school while being the breadwinner for his young family. He graduated from Western State Law School and passed the California bar examination on his first attempt. Being a lawyer was one of the great joys of Bob’s life, and he never retired from the work that he loved so much. The Plumas County Courthouse in Quincy was one of his favorite places to be.
After raising their children in Huntington Beach, California, Bob and his second wife Jaclyn (née Park) moved to Indian Falls over thirty years ago and created a wonderful life together. They traveled the world and hosted friends and family. He was so proud of the beautiful home and surrounding gardens that will endure forever as the setting for many happy family memories. When Jackie suffered a stroke, he cared for her at home and continued to enjoy their life together surrounded by the magnificent forest. Sadly, the house and the property were lost in the Dixie fire in the summer of 2021. The city of Graeagle and his golfing community offered Bob a safe place to land, and he spent his last years there.
Known for his quick wit and gift of gab, Bob was often a man of contradictions. He was a fierce individualist who believed in the value of collectivism. He could be simultaneously coarse and gracious, somehow both tender and tough. At times, he was an adversary to argue with, and at others, he was a shoulder to cry on. He was a man in full who was consistently true to himself. He loved life, his fellow man, music, terrible jokes, American cars, animals, and the wonder of nature, especially the cosmos.
To his family, Bob was a treasure, an example of self-determination with an endless love of life and adventure. His legacy transcends any possessions that were lost in the fire. We will carry the values he passed on and the example he set for generations.
Bob is preceded in death by his wife Jaclyn; sister Linda; nephew Tommy; and numerous ancestors who have shaped his character. He is survived by his children Lee Anne, David, and Neal; stepchildren Loren and Doug; grandchildren Alexandra, Victoria, Max, Katie, Calvin, and Casey; and numerous other extended family members, loved ones, friends, and colleagues who share our loss.
All are invited to a celebration of life for Bob that will be held at the Tulsa Scott Pavilion at the Quincy fairgrounds on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 1 to 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, we invite you to donate to Plumas Strong to support the efforts to rebuild after the Dixie fire.
