Dr. David Rudolf Polak

1967 - 05

David was a heartfelt and sincere family man who dedicated his life to the well being of his family; his beloved wife Dana of 24 years, and his son Dylan who was truly his pride and joy. He will be deeply missed by his father and mother Rudolf and Jenny, siblings Christine and Paul, nieces Devon and Kirsten, and extended family Christopher, Elizabeth and Franco, father-in-law George and wife the late Susan, mother-in-law Jenni, brother-in-laws Jason and wife Carol, Nick and wife Brooke, and nephews Jackson and Spencer. Although separated by miles and countries, there were always family vacations between parents, siblings and nieces. His trips to the family cottage in Northern Ontario were the ones that always grounded him with warm memories, peaceful solitude, and a rejuvenation of his soul. They connected with his past, as the cottage or "Tony's Place" was a favorite destination for his maternal grandparents, "Babci" and "Dziadek". David also had a special fondness for his father's village, Tren?ianske Bohuslavice, Slovakia, which he visited on multiple occasions. David's brilliant mind led him to excel in Mechanical (B.Eng, M.Eng, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON) and Aerospace Engineering (PhD, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY). A loyal 25 year long career followed at United Technologies Research Division, OTIS, Pratt & Whitney and Carrier in Hartford, CT, and was punctuated by many patents and publications. He had a keen interest in scientific discoveries, and engaged the world with a reasoned and rational outlook. While at Cornell, David met the renowned astronomer and physicist Carl Sagan - a man he deeply admired and respected. The family believes David embodied Sagan's words: "To live in the hearts we leave behind is to live forever." "We are star stuff." In lieu of flowers, the family wishes instead for donations to the Canadian or American Diabetes Associations.