Ernest Pollard Obituary

POLLARD, Ernest (Ernie) 1922 - 2016 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ernest (Ernie) in Victoria, BC on September 11, 2016 in his 94th year. Ernie was predeceased by his wife, Mary, infant daughter, Cherie Marie, and his seven adored siblings (Lindsey, Leonard, Keefer, George, Albert, Ellen and Bernadette). He is survived by his children, Renee (Andrew), Ryan (Crystal) and John; 4 beloved grandchildren, Julia, Liam, Kai and Noah; sister-in-law Jean, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Born in Blaine Lake, Sask., on July 22, 1922 to Keefer and Marie, he moved west after high school graduation, but remained a small town prairie boy his whole life. He joined the RCAF in 1942 and was stationed at Pat Bay and Bella Bella during WWII as an aircraft mechanic. After discharge in 1945, Ernie attended Normal School in Victoria, graduating in 1947 with his teaching degree from UBC. Over his 35 year career, Ernie was a principal and teacher at Sooke, Marigold, View Royal, North Ward, Burnside, and Sir James Douglas schools where he dedicated himself to ensuring the well-being of his students and staff. After retiring, Ernie enjoyed spending time with his family, attending soccer games, coaching baseball, and working the concession at Lambrick Park. Ernie was a long standing member of St. Patrick's and a founding member of Holy Cross Parish, volunteering as an usher there for many years. He was an avid bridge player, gardener, walker, and lifelong Canuck fan. He will be remembered as a lover of life, a dedicated family man and the most enthusiastic attendee at every family reunion. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 12 Noon at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 2060 Haultain Street, Victoria, BC, followed by a reception in the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Burnside-Gorge Community Association in memory of Ernie's dedication to school children and youth would be appreciated. Our family is forever grateful to the staff of Broadmead Lodge who provided care over the last 4 years. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com

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Published by Victoria Times Colonist from Sep. 16 to Sep. 18, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Ernest Pollard

10 Entries

September 23, 2016

Mr. Pollard was my Grade 5 and 6 teacher at Sir James Douglas Elementary School in 1960 and 1961. He was a fabulous teacher and I have never forgotten him. He inspired me to love learning and to go on to obtain a good education. I hope he knew how well respected he was and how positively he influenced so many of us. May he rest in peace knowing that he did a grand job!

Lesley Bainbridge

Louise Langley

September 23, 2016

Ernie Pollard was my grade 5 teacher at Sir James Douglas Elementary School in 1960 ......and he earned the status of being "my favorite teacher" throughout my school years. I had the great fortune of telling him this in approximately 1990 when he visited a local business I was temporarily working in at the time. When I relived a few classroom experiences of 30 years prior, he said he remembered them too, bless his heart! I was so happy to get a chance to tell him that he made a real difference in my life, and that I loved school ever since. He smiled. May The Lord continue to bless and keep him at peace. Sincerely, Louise Langley (nee Rawlings).

Herb and Dolores Mebs

September 21, 2016

Ryan and family
We are thinking of you and your loss. Our heartfelt condolences to all of you. We remember many visits with Ernie and enjoyed the interesting stories he had to tell. May your happy memories give you strength and guide you through this difficult time.

Kevin Hancock

September 18, 2016

My deepest condolences to the Pollard family.
I remember Ernie from when I visited Keefers house in the 80s.

Judy Coutts

September 17, 2016

Condolences to the Pollard Family.Ernie was my principal at School School for at least five years!Always remember him running a very disciplined school .

September 17, 2016

Our deep condolences to you Renee and Andrea , Julia and Liaam. Our thoghts are with you in this sad day.Love from us all.
zii Ubalda and Michele

delia mosi

September 17, 2016

remembering a dear friend

Keith Fraser

September 17, 2016

To all the Pollard family members- my most sincere condolences on Ernie's passing. He was a great supporter of my teaching career as I started at Burnside. Our paths crossed again at Sir James Douglas and again when I taught Rene and John at Mount Douglas. Ernie was simply a good honest man and an excellent role model for all to follow.
I thank our Lord for giving me the gift of Ernies friendship and wisdom.

Les F

September 16, 2016

see you Uncle Ernie, now I am sure you can organize a group of backup vocals for me when I get there, cause we will all be there sooner or later. Cheers ! Uncle Ernie your pal Belafonte

Brian McGregor-Foxcroft

September 16, 2016

It is with a very personal sense of grief and loss that I read of the passing of Ernie Pollard. He was my Grade 5 teacher at Sir James Douglas School more years ago than I care to remember. He was a great teacher and a wonderful man. He was my teacher at a critical time in my life; my parents had just separated for the second and final time, and my young life seemed rudderless. I was doing poorly in school and in life. Ernie was more than just my teacher at that time; he was also something of a moral guide, although in a quiet but determined way. Indeed, we his students loved him very much, and we all looked up to his quiet inner strength. It is no exaggeration to say that Ernie had an impact on my life that has influenced my thinking and way of life ever since. It was no doubt his Christian principles that contributed to the well-being of everyone around him. Much later on in my life my wife and I had the privilege of attending his retirement party, and subsequently we had the pleasure of visiting Ernie, Mary, and the family at their home. He still had in his possession my old class photo and my report card from Sir James Douglas School. My school years were not very illustrious, but years after I was able to attend and graduate from university, and from a graduate theological college, and to subsequently take a commission in the Canadian Army. Ernie wrote me a letter of reference to the military. If I have enjoyed any success in my life it is due in large part to people like Ernie Pollard, who believed in me, even when those closest to me did not. I owe him a great debt of personal gratitude and love. REST IN GOD'S LOVE, my dear old mentor!

My wife Florence and I wish to extend our sympathy and prayers to the Pollard family.

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Ernest Pollard

Ernest Pollard Obituary

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