Jul 15, 1930---Feb 25, 2021

"I believe that when an elder dies, a library is burned: vast sums of wisdom and knowledge are lost.." ~ Elizabeth Kapu'uwailani Lindsey 

 

Donald Eugene Ireland, July 15, 1930 went to sleep in the Lord on February 25, 2021.  Survived by his wife, Thelma Jo Ann (Chance) Ireland, four children, nine grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild, Upon retirement from a long career in the motion picture industry, our father pursued his hobby of genealogy.  Volunteering at the National Archives, dad became a master at connecting people with their ancestral histories.  Helping people make those connections, dad shared his excitement of researching his own family history.  Proud of his roots, Dad would share that his own ancestors were from Belfast, Northern Ireland, and dad was an Ulsterman.   He leaves behind a rich history passed on through the stories he told and the lives he touched. We celebrate our father whose story is written on our hearts.  His stories, his wisdom, his guidance helped to make us who we are.  

 

slán leat

 I gcónaí inár gcroí agus inár nguí, is breá linn tú a dhaidí

Always in our hearts and in our prayers, we love you dad

 



Condolences

Richard Cox , Delaware Crossing Mar 07, 2021

SAR Compatriot

So sorry to hear of Don's passing. While we had lost touch over the past few years I always enjoyed his insights with the Archives, and serving with him on Chapter Executive Committees. After all that time I was unaware that we nearly shared an ancestral home as my father's family were from County Fermanagh. The world will be a lesser place without him, but a better place for his passing through our paths.

Kevin & Diane Denning Mar 07, 2021

Friend ,Wichita ,Kansas

So sorry to hear about your father's death. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today. Kevin & Diane

Lori L Brinker Mar 07, 2021

Friend thru Knox Church ,OVERLAND PARK ,Kansas

Justin and I are so sorry to hear of Don's passing. We knew him thru Knox Church - Don and Jo helped (saved) me many times setting up for our Alpha group last minute when I coordinated the program many years ago. Don was so proud to volunteer at the National Archives, and always had stories to tell (of course never any personal details but how he would research all of the info and able to help families). Deepest condolences at this sad time, know you are in our prayers. With love, Justin and Lori Brinker

Evie Bresette Mar 07, 2021

fellow NARA Volunteer ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Don was already a volunteer at the NARA Archives when I joined in 1994. He was smart, funny and just a delight to be around. The fellow volunteers considered him our Military Expert because he could answer any question that came up. I remember he said, about 1998/99.."have you heard of Google Search? It's going to be the biggest search engine." Wow! He was dearly missed when he retired from Volunteering. Deepest condolences to his family.

Michelle Deutch,DDS Mar 07, 2021

His former dentist ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I remember Don as a very friendly and personable man. He was the sweetest! Michelle Deutch

Rebetta Gillespie Mar 07, 2021

Niece ,Jonesboro ,Arkansas

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Uncle Don. I have fond memories of him at our last meeting many years ago. Peace and love to Aunt Jo and my cousins Pat, Tara, Stephanie, and Stacey.

Fr Giani & Office of Hispanic Ministry Mar 08, 2021

Coworkers ,Kansas City ,Kansas

Our condolences and prayers, in the assurance that your Father is enjoying the presence of the Lord. Fr Giani

Donna Muiller Mar 08, 2021

Members of Prairie Rose Chapter, NSDAR, remember Don as so supportive of JoAnn when she was a member of our chapter. Our sympathy and prayers of comfort are extended to the family.

National Archives at Kansas City Mar 25, 2021

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

Don was an outstanding volunteer at the National Archives at Kansas City. He was dearly beloved by the staff, who all enjoyed his humor and wit. Don was someone whom genealogists would specifically plan to come in to work with. He always provided outstanding service to the public, and shared from his wealth of knowledge. We all learned so much from him. He will be greatly missed. The Staff at the National Archives at Kansas City

Mark Durbin Jul 02, 2021

friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I was very sorry to read about Don's death. I met him at the Archives when they were on Bannister, and it was through Don that I joined the Delaware Crossing SAR chapter. He was a font of knowledge and ALWAYS a sweet and interesting man. A great loss to be sure. Mark Durbin