Dave Pollard passed away peacefully with his family and friends by his side, in Kamloops BC, on August 3rd , 2024 at the age of 92.
His memory will be cherished by his son Bobby (Stephen) Pollard of Langley, grandsons Jason Pollard of Vancouver and Christopher (Katina) of Tumbler Ridge, daughter Shelly Nelson of Calgary, grandchildren Nikki (Dave) McDonald, Christina (Kris) Nelson, Michelle (Jack) Nelson, great granddaughters Keira and Kaylee, great grandson, Ollie, brothers Gerry Pollard and Gordon (Sharon) Pollard and sister Frances (Brent) Yasuda , companion Joyce Davidson, cousins Eileen and Randy Ambler, along with close friends Nimfa, Eddie and Jorden Mendoza-Valenzuela.
Dave was predeceased by the love of his life, Helen, his beloved daughter, Debbie (Ken), his parents Thomas and Helen, and brother Bruce.
Dave was born on January 16th, 1932, in Williams Lake, the oldest of five siblings. At the age of six years old, Dave’s family moved to the Pollard Ranch in Clinton. He left home after he completed grade seven to start his first job, building Hwy #1 from Williams Lake to the Port Mann Bridge. He also worked in Kitimat building the Aluminum Plant, as well as the Dew Line and Radar Line. He married Helen Ruckle on May, 20th, 1954. They traveled throughout BC for Dave’s construction work and then settled in Savona, BC in 1960. Dave started work as a mechanic at West Coast Transmission while Helen started the first kindergarten program in Savona. Dave retired in 1982. In retirement, he and Helen contracted the yard maintenance from West Coast transmission and then moved to Kamloops in 2010.
Dave lived his best life, simple and unassuming. He enjoyed keeping in touch with his family and friends. He loved to visit both in person and on the phone. He always made time for everyone. He enjoyed music and theatre. He loved to share the success of his grandson’s and looked for ways to support them as they found their way in the world. He will be fondly remembered for quality of caring, sharing and his willingness to help others before himself. He had a quiet strength that made him both gentle and solid. He’s passed on these qualities to everyone that was lucky enough to spend time with him.
The family would like to thank Dr. Mavis Hollman, the wonderful staff at Trinity Hospice for the amazing care they gave to Dave and to Eileen Ambler for her support since the passing of Helen. She has truly been Dave’s earth angel.
A Celebration of Life for Dave will be held at 11am on Sunday, August 25th, 2024 in the Kamloops Funeral Home Chapel (285 Fortune Drive). Inurnment will take place at the Savona Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations can be made in Dave’s memory to the Canadian Lung Association.
Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
3 Tributes
I am so sorry for your loss of your Dad and Grandpa. We lived beside your parents in Savona for several years and always enjoyed being their neighbours. Dave always had a smile and not much seemed to bother him. Wish I had been able to visit him more while he was still here but I do have good memories of them both and I also remember your sister. May God give you peace knowing they are together and no more sickness. God bless.
So sorry to hear of your loss Bobby, I can remember growing you in Savona with your family.
Our whole family is saddened by the loss of uncle David . We send our condolences to you Robbie and family . As well to Auntie Francis , uncle Gerry and uncle Gordie . Remembering uncle David as a kind caring man always interested in how Jo and I and kids were doing. A real Prince of a man . A real Pollard in so many ways . God bless.