Obituary of William Raymond Irland

GENEVA – William R. Irland, 91, of Geneva crossed his final finish line on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, at home. In respect with Bill's wishes, he will be remembered privately by his family. He was a graduate of Waterloo High School and Syracuse University, with advanced studies at Alfred University and Hobart College. He was a veteran of the U. S. Army, who served in Korea. Bill worked as the physical director for the Kingston, NY, YMCA from 1952 to 1956. Bill moved back to the Finger Lakes in 1956 and was a physical education instructor and coach for Gorham Central School. In 1961, he became a guidance counselor for Middlesex Valley Central School and retired as the director of guidance for Marcus Whitman Central School in 1984. He was an inaugural member of Waterloo High School Athletic Hall of Fame and was later inducted into the NYS Section Five Cross Country Hall of Fame. At Syracuse, he was captain of the 1951 NCAA National Championship Cross Country Team and honored as an All American runner. Bill returned to running in the 1970s, competed and won most of the master's division honors in over 200 road races. In 1981, Bill was a member of the world's record setting men over 50, indoor 4 x 1 mile relay team. He was 61 when he won his last competitive road race. He was a member, treasurer and secretary of the Gorham Fire Company and a member of Winnek American Legion Post 396. Bill is survived by his wife of 70 years, Mary Lou (Kierst) Irland; daughter, Cynthia (Charles) Boehnke; grandchildren, Chad Boehnke, Mark Boehnke and Jill (Boehnke) Rogers; great-grandchildren, Amalia, Alexander and Cooper Rogers; and several nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his parents, G. Raymond and Vernace (Bowers) Irland; and infant children, Jean Louise and William Henry. Memorial contributions may be made to Beverly's Animal Shelter, 50 E. River St., Waterloo, NY.