David Ireland

David Ireland Died of pneumonia following a lengthy illness of Dementia With Lewy Bodies on May 18, 2009. He was 78. Ireland's life was full of adventure and experiences; art student, architectural draftsman, army draftee, insurance agent, world traveler, import and safari business owner, teacher, mentor. Drawing on all of these experiences, his talent, his unique observations and sense of humor, he became widely known as a conceptual and installation artist. His work is included in collections of major museums thoughout the country as well as private collectors. Perhaps his best known work is his 1886 home in San Francisco's Mission District purchased in 1975. Stripping the walls, floors, and other additions from previous owners, Ireland preserved the remains by making collections to add permanence and dignity to the history of the house. In 2008 the house was purchased by the 500 Capp Foundation to preserve the house and prepare it as a respository for Ireland's art and study center for his work and archives. Ireland is survived by his sister, Judith Ireland; his children, Ian Ireland and Shaughn Niland; his grandchildren, Soren, Bailey, Svea Ireland and Jordan and Haven Niland; and his nieces and nephews, Phoebe, Ursula, Jake Brookbank, Laura, Tobias and Madison Cox, Alexandra Sands. Predeceased by his parents, Martha and Kenneth Ireland; his sisters Barbara Sands in July, 2005 and Marcia Brookbank in February, 2009. A memorial is being planned in San Francisco with details to be announced. A private family memorial is being planned on Orcas Island, WA where the family has spent summers since 1943. Those wishing may send memorial contributions to CCA, 1111 8th St., San Francisco, CA 94107; San Francisco Art Institute, 500 Chestnut, San Francisco, CA 94133; or The Campus School Legacy Scholarship, c/o WWU, 516 High St., Bellingham, WA 98225.