BOBBY Toland will be remembered with great affection, not just by his family who, of course, loved him dearly, but also by his many friends and colleagues in Derry and the north west.
Bobby made a major contribution in both the public and business sectors, supported since their marriage in 1962 by his wife Grania, who was a true partner in every respect.
He loved being a family man and took great pride in the achievements of his children and grandchildren.
He also devoted considerable time and energy to his work in business, banking and health and social care.
One of 10 children born to Jimmy and Mary Alice Toland in the Waterside area of Derry, Bobby attended St Columb's College.
After studying at Maynooth he returned home when his father became ill to help run the family licensed grocery business.
He was appointed to the Londonderry Development Commission, which was set up in 1969, and played a key role with others in helping Derry emerge from a long period of discrimination and neglect.
Bobby was heavily involved in the business and commercial life of his native city and even after his retirement he continued to run The Society Bar, where he was a gregarious and friendly host who greatly enjoyed the music and the craic.
He served as president of both the local Rotary Club and the Chamber of Commerce and his experience in business proved useful when he took on the role of board member with the Trustee Savings Bank and then with First Trust Bank.
Perhaps his greatest contribution to the life of the north west was made during his many years as vice chair and later chairman of the Western Health and Social Services Board, during a period of major change in the organisation and provision of health and social care.
His energy and enthusiasm coupled with his commitment to improving health and social wellbeing made him a very effective leader.
Bobby was a modest, self-effacing man who loved being in the company of others.
He saw his primary role as chairman as being to support and encourage others and to build consensus, which he did with great success.
Although he was very much at home in board meetings and in representing the north west in his dealings with senior politicians and community leaders, he was often happiest debating local and world events with colleagues and friends at his kitchen table over endless cups of tea as children and grandchildren roamed around him.
He and Grania also had a great interest in supporting artists, writers and musicians and were often to be seen at local concerts, plays and exhibitions.
Bobby was a lifelong friend of Brian Friel and was delighted when he invited him to attend the Broadway premiere of Philadelphia Here I Come! in 1966.
Bobby Toland, who died on August 14 at the age of 91, truly had a life well-lived and will never be forgotten by those who had the privilege to know him.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.