Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
David George Pollard was born in Burlington, ON, to George & Nell (Ellen) Pollard on September 23, 1934. In his early years, he worked with his older brother Charlie on their father’s onion farm, spent time with all the cousins, participated in numerous church activities, and while in school participated in the Burlington High School band. In his travels West, he was introduced to the Millar Memorial Bible Institute (MMBI), now known as Millar College of the Bible, where he became a student in 1954 and graduated from in 1957.
After graduation, David assumed the pastoral role at Mission Point in Canso, NS returning in between to marry Ramona Pollard (nee Penner) on September 17, 1960 (a marriage that spanned almost 60 years!). Later, they moved to Kingston, NS, where he was the Men's Dean at the Kingston Bible College until 1962.
Upon receiving an invite to teach at MMBI, David & Ramona returned to Pambrun, SK and put their roots down in the community where they eventually built the family home on Pond Street. Their family was blessed with the adoption of a son, Colin, in 1970 (and his wife Monica in 1991) and the adoption of a daughter, Charlene, in 1974 and welcomed the births of their grandsons Nathan (2006) and Mathew (2009).
David continued to teach for 35 years and retired from teaching at Millar College of the Bible in 2000. A couple of years later, David moved to Swift Current and assumed the pastoral role at the Fairview Bible Church in Swift Current, SK, from which he retired in 2015.
David was well known for playing a variety of instruments — piano, organ, accordion, trumpet, vibraphone, and even the saw. He inspired people from the pulpit, teaching in the classroom, while on college tours, attending Bible Camps, entertaining at the senior homes, printing, painting, building, or gardening. He was always dedicated to his family, enjoyed the company of many dear friends, committed to his work and even more so, his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
During his summer breaks, David enjoyed travelling with his family to various summer camps across Canada, sharing his love of music – never afraid of learning a new musical instrument or inspiring others to do the same. At these times, he often returned to Ontario to reunite with family who still resided there.
In the more recent years, as David's health declined, he became a resident of The Meadows, House 21, a Swift Current long-term health facility. For as long as he was able, he continued to grace the halls with his music, delighting other residents, staff, and visitors with his talent. The family is very grateful to everyone who took the time to visit him and bring a smile to his face. Our gratitude extends out the doctors, nurses, and staff who took great care to ensure his well-being and comforted him until his passing.
David Pollard passed away on Monday, March 23, 2020, at the age of 85 with his loving wife, Ramona, at his side.
David leaves to mourn his wife, Ramona; his son, Colin (Monica) Pollard (Saskatoon, SK); his daughter, Charlene, and grandsons, Nathan and Matthew (Lower South River, NS); his brother and sister-in-law, Bruce (Shirley) Christensen; his sister-in-law, Violet Penner; his nephew and nieces, Ronda (Richard) Paradis, Ross Penner, and Shawna Christensen; and by his great-niece, Rebecca Penner and great-nephew, Mason Christensen.
David was predeceased by his parents, George & Ellen Pollard; his brother, Charlie, infant brothers, Charles and Robert, and infant sister, Elsie; his parents-in-law, Bernard & Katherine Penner; and by his brother-in-law, Bernie Penner.
How fortunate we have all been to have someone that makes saying goodbye so difficult.
Rest easy, you have done your share well.
Tribute to My Dad
Dad, you were the sweetest father a daughter could ever ask for.
I’ve been recalling a lot of memories, but one keeps playing in my head; I always used to call you Popsicle, my little pet name for you, and every time I did, whether I yelled it across the campus or when you were on your way to do something, you always stopped and waited with that big smile, all the way to your eyes, and a huge hug. You were never too busy for a hug, a smile and a little chuckle. You were gentle, playful, and supportive in everything you did. You taught by example in everything you did. In play, when we would play catch, you taught me how to enjoy the simple things in life. When teaching me to paint houses and mow the lawn, you taught me the importance of doing a job well, and with grace. In your readiness to serve, you taught what it meant to give and expect nothing in return. Your humility, loving nature and genuine faith in God stand as your legacy that everyone who knew you remembers. You were a true example of your faith. I couldn’t be more grateful to you for being a man my boys could look up to. No words feel adequate to express how much you are missed. I imagine you playing in an orchestra in Heaven.
Matthew said, “I remember he played tag with me and played lots of instruments. He was a good Grandpa, and I will miss him.”
Nathan said, “Grandpa used to play hide and seek with me, and I loved the times I got to spend with him. I love you, Grandpa, and miss you.”
Goodnight, my sweet Popsicle, until we meet again.
Love, Charlene, Matthew & Nathan Pollard
The Graveside Service for David Pollard was held on Friday, April 3, 2020 from the Pambrun Cemetery, Pambrun, SK with Phil Powers officiating, and Bob Jorgensen, Bruce Mouland, Don McElheran, Jack Williamson, Kelvin Thiessen, and Phil Ruten serving as Pallbearers. The Honorary Pallbearers were Art Thiessen, Dave Fehr, Harry Peters, Randy Reddekopp, Richard Bueckert, and Tom Runcie. “It is Well With My Soul” and “Like a River Glorious” were sung by the those in attendance. The obituary was read by Colin Pollard. The tribute was given by Colin Pollard on behalf of Charlene, Matthew, and Nathan Pollard.
A Memorial Service for David Pollard will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers and in memory of David Pollard and in lieu of flowers, donations made to the David Pollard Scholarship Fund c/o Millar College of the Bible would be appreciated by the family. Please visit https://www.millercollege.ca to find donation information.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Pollard, please visit our floral store.