William Eric Ireland

William Eric Ireland

William Eric Ireland, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and devoted follower of Jesus Christ, passed peacefully from this life on February 18, 2026 surrounded by family. Bill was born on September 25, 1935, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, the youngest child of William Earl Ireland and Anna Martha Skaiem. He was raised alongside his siblings Richard and Harold Robert (Bob) in a close and loving home that fostered his lifelong love of the outdoors.

From his earliest years, Bill found joy in fishing, hunting, skiing, and time spent at the family cabin on the North Fork of the Snake River. Those experiences shaped a deep reverence for nature that remained with him throughout his life. He was an avid outdoorsman who delighted in sharing his knowledge of wildlife, forestry, and the natural world with family and friends.

As a young man, Bill met his high school sweetheart, Joan Jennings, and they were married and sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple in 1957. Together they built a loving home and were blessed with five children: Steven, Michael, Lynda, Kathy, and James. Bill earned a bachelor's degree in forestry, with a minor in wildlife management, and later served honorably in the United States Army. He devoted his professional life to public service, working for the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management in several western states and Alaska before retiring in Idaho.

Bill was known for his quiet strength, humility, honesty, and steady example. He did not need to raise his voice to teach; rather, he led through kindness, patience, and consistent love. He instilled in his children a strong work ethic and a deep understanding that family comes first. He remained a faithful and caring companion to Joan, especially through the challenges of her illness, until her passing in 2012.

In 2013, Bill found love again and married Gloria Rivera Ireland, who became Maria Gloria Ireland. Together they built a happy life centered on faith and family. They spent their days gardening, traveling, visiting loved ones, and enjoying treasured time with their grandchildren. Bill and Gloria also served a two-year service mission together for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In his final days, he was lovingly cared for and comforted as he held the hand of his devoted wife.

A devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bill lived a life of quiet faith and Christlike goodness. He will be remembered for his gentle nature, dry sense of humor, generous heart, and the way all who entered his home felt welcomed as family. Truly, to know him was to love him.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William Earl Ireland and Anna Martha Skaiem; his first wife, Joan Jennings Ireland; his brother, Richard Earl Ireland; his sister, June Rosemary Ireland; and his grandson, Jordan R. Ireland.

He is survived by his wife, Gloria Rivera Ireland; his children Steven (Adrian), Michael (Krystal), Lynda (Frank), Kathy (Shawn), and James (Debbie); his brother Harold Robert (Bob) Ireland; 19 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.

Bill's life was marked by faith, integrity, quiet service, and enduring love. His example will continue to bless the lives of all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed until the joyful day of reunion.