Frank Pollard

POLLARD, Frank E. We regret to announce the passing of Frank E. Pollard at the age of 92 on February 4, 2011. Frank was born on October 15, 1918 in Felixstowe, Suffolk, UK. In 2002, he was predeceased by his loving wife of sixty years, Nella (Bertoia), as well as his older siblings Bert, Peter, and Edna. His remaining sister, Mary Hay lives in Mumbles, Wales. In his early years, Frank grew up in an orphanage and later in a foster home. Once he completed school and before World War II began, Frank worked at the London Lymph Establishment where a vaccine used for Small Pox was created, and later on he worked in a dairy production plant. This work as a ""cream analyst"" made him exempt from serving in the war. As soon as he learned of this, he quit to join his countrymen on the front lines. His aspirations to enlist in the Navy were thwarted by a shorter line up for the Air Force at the Military Recruitment Centre. Through his hard work, study, and dedication to the cause he was eventually promoted to Flight Lieutenant (Captain) and served Britain's Special Executive Operations with the Royal Air Force. Many of his flights across the English Channel were in fact towing glider planes with his beloved Halifax airplane to supply the growing resistance to fight the Germans all across Europe. Later in the war he was transferred to the China Burma India Theater and flew regular missions over the ""Camel's Hump"". These heroic times also fostered Frank's love of the war songbird, Vera Lynn. For further information on Frank's life during the war, go to this website: www.abheritage.ca/flyboys/stories/raf_pollard.htm . Once the war ended, Frank and his Canadian wife Nella, who had also served in the war, immigrated to Canada. Frank continued his love of flying by teaching on a part-time basis at the Calgary Airport and he eventually accepted full-time employment at the Sheriff's office. Frank is survived by his three children, their respective partners, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his niece in Vernon and her family. At Frank's request, there will be no Memorial Service, but he will be fondly remembered and dearly missed for his quick wit, fearless war stories, and love of life.