Obituary of Judson Pollard

Judson "Jud" Elbert Pollard passed away peacefully at the Lloydminster Hospital on Sunday, March 8, 2009 at the age of 84 years. Jud leaves to mourn his loving wife Betty; his two sons: Larry and Verna Pollard, Dale and Marie Pollard; five daughters: Kathy and Roy Noble, Sylvia and Wayne Passmore, Wendy Minish, Marilyn and Jim Donald, Shelley and Kevin Brassington; eighteen grandchildren: Laurie Pollard, Dion (Tannis) Pollard, Heather (Daniel) Jirousek, Christa (Blaine) Becker, Kerri (Tony) Caco, Doug Blake, Teira (Glen) Thomson, Warren (Rayanne) Noble, Corrie (Trevor) Bygrove, Cindy (John) Rekimowich, Brad (Wendy) Passmore, Sheldon (Pam) Minish, Deanne (Lee) Schamehorn, Mandy (Steven) McNeil, Michelle (Adam) Hickman, Andrew Donald, Cole and Rylan Brassington; thirty four great grandchildren: Kennedy and Rachel Werre, Lauren, Bryn and Brenden Pollard, Hannah and Abigail Jirousek, Leanne, Lyndon and Taylor Becker, Sean, Dominick, Dorian Caco, Clark and Brette Thomson, Sydney and Eric Noble, Jack, Ben and Erin Bygrove, Brayden, Kale and Ryann Rekimowich, Alex, Drew and Hannah Passmore, Emma, Sarah and Chloe Minish, Imogin, Brendon Schamehorn, Merek McNeil, Abigail and Brady Hickman; brothers: Orville (Ann) Pollard, Joe Pollard, Edwin (Elene) Pollard; sisters: Pearl Freimark, Noreen Graham, Margaret Johnston; brothers and sisters-in-law: Barb Ash, Bill and Sharonne Ash as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Jud was predeceased by dad and mom Charlie and Nellie Pollard; son-in-law: Fred Minish; brothers: Ivan and Allan; sisters-in-law: Phyllis, Alma, Ruth and Frances Pollard, Evelyn Scott; brothers-in-law: Alfred Freimark, Tony Graham, Sony Thompson, Harvey Johnson and John Ash. The funeral service was conducted from the Grace United Church, Lloydminster, Alberta on Friday, March 13, 2009 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Sue Hertell officiating. The eulogy was read by Teira Thomson and Brad Passmore. A duet "Amazing Grace" was sung by Pam Minish and Randy Smith. The hymns sung were "How Great Thou Art" and "The Old Rugged Cross" accompanied on the organ by Irene Knowlson. Leader of song was the Grace United Church Choir. Interment was held at the Lloydminster City Cemetery. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements. EULOGY OF JUDSON ELBERT POLLARD Who would of thought we would be here today celebrating the life of Jud. With his strength and determination we expected that he was going to outlast us all. His 9 lives finally ran out. When we were given the opportunity to say a few words about grandpa, we started asking family and friends what grandpa meant to them and what they remembered most of him. The answers that came back were clear. Grandpa had 2 passions in life. He loved farming and he loved his family… all 81 of us. This is the story and legacy of Jud Pollard. Judson Elbert Pollard was born to Charles and Nellie Pollard on August 10th, 1924, in Hafford, Sk. Well, almost in Hafford, Sask. On the way to the Hafford Hospital in Uncle Jud Crowder's car, baby Judson decided it was time to be born. Nellie gave birth to Jud, in a barn, at a nearby farm, hence the term, "Born in a Barn". Grandpa recently reminded me of this story but told me he was born in a manger. I said, " You mean a barn Grandpa". "No, a manger." It was then that I realized how much BS and storytelling this man was really about. Jud was the 6th child of 9 children. He is survived by his loving wife Betty of 62 years, 7 children, Larry (Verna), Dale (Marie), Kathy (Roy), Sylvia (Wayne), Wendy, Marilyn (Jim), Shelley (Kevin), sister Pearl Friemark, brother Orville and his wife Ann, sister Noreen Graham, sister Margaret Johnson, brother Joe, and brother Edwin and his wife Elene, brothers and sisters in laws Barb Ash, and Bill and Sharon Ash, 18 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Nellie and Charlie Pollard, son in law Fred Minish, brothers Ivan & Allan, sister in laws Alma, Ruth and Frances Pollard, Evelyn Scott, brothers in law Alfred Freimark, Tony Graham, Sony Thompson, Harvey Johnson and John Ash. Jud grew up in the Blaine Lake and Rabbit Lake areas. His family had a ¼ section of land that was a ½ mile away from the school. Their two-story home was logged and built by hand. Fresh straw beds were in each room with warm tick comforters. There are many stories of Jud growing up that his siblings were able to share with us. Orville recalls the day that he and Jud got into trouble at school along with 7 or 8 other boys. The boys were all to stay in detention after school but were not taking kindly to the discipline. The boys concocted a plan to tie up their teacher, Laurence Lakeman, and leave him in the porch of the school. On their way home, their conscience got the better of them and they went back and untied him. Out of utter shock, the teacher did not make them stay. I'm sure because he knew that they would be back the next day with more rope! Noreen tells the time when a horse salesman came to the farm. Jud was compassionate and soft when it came to animals, especially the horse Dolly. He was out chopping wood and overheard the conversation between his dad and a salesman. Sure enough, Dolly was going to be sold. Jud was not happy about this so when the salesman and his dad started walking down the road, Jud threw a frozen cow patty at the salesman's head. This sent the man down to his knees. Now Jud had thrown the cow pie from a hidden spot so his dad had no idea who threw it. Allan was blamed for the incident and was endlessly chased around the kitchen until Nellie stood up for Allan and claimed it wasn't him. Jud's dad said, "Who ever doesn't come in for supper, is the one who did it!" Jud was hiding in the hayloft and definitely didn't come in for supper. Needless to say, the sale of the horse never went through and Dolly got to stay at the farm. Many other childhood stories came to light in recent days including the time Jud and Joe stole the teacher's strap and held a burial ceremony for it in their garden or the time he tricked Edwin into thinking he was being attacked by a rattlesnake. It seemed like there was always fun outside of cleaning the barn, feeding the chickens and milking the cows. Jud spent time in the fall thrashing south of North Battleford for a job as a teenager. He would move from farm to farm and be hired out to help on farms. A resounding statement from Jud's siblings was that he was a good and kind brother. Grandpa, like his brothers, enlisted in the army. However, being only 18 at the end of the war, he did not see any battle. Through the DVA, he was able to obtain land in the Bear Island district. Along with his younger brothers Joe and Edwin and his parents, Jud moved to a new farm. The family took their house apart in Rabbit Lake and loaded it piece by piece onto a boxcar with cows and chickens. Charlie drove the boxcar to Waseca while Joe and Jud took a 3- day trek along Jackfish Lake, crossing the river at Payton and ending up at the new farm. Joe and Jud lead a team of horses loaded with hay and furniture. It was at the farm on the 303 that Jud now called his home. His parents and baby Edwin resided with him for a while until a new face turned up around the farm. In the fall of 1945, a newly graduated teacher from normal school, Betty Tuckwood, showed up at Bear Island School to teach. At the end of the school year, June of 1946, the school held its annual dance. Luella James thought that Jud would be a great new date for Betty so she took both of their hands and sent them into the kitchen with her to make coffee. Jud and Betty hit it off. The next day was the Maidstone Canada Day Ball Tournament and Betty hitched a ride to the event. It was after this day that the two of them became inseparable. Two and half months later, Jud and Betty were married on Sept 18th, 1946. Luella and Orville stood up for them. The minister they had arranged had taken sick the day of the wedding. So they ended up being married in the previously booked church, the Anglican, with the minister from the United Church. It was evident right from the first moments they took their vows that whatever life brought them; they would take in stride. Love was all they needed. Jud moved his new bride into the house at the farm with his parents. Charlie and Nellie stayed for about a year and then decided to move to Prince Albert to a new home. It was here on the farm that Jud and Betty made their life farming and raising their children for 30 years. In the spring, summer and fall, Jud and Betty ran the farm. Some winters, they would move to Dick Heinz' and help run his ranch. Making a living farming was very difficult, especially when one was as fertile as Betty. Jud and Betty were parents to 7 children: Larry , 1947, Dale , 1949, Kathy , 1950, Sylvia, 1952, Wendy, 1954, Marilyn , 1958 and Shelley, 1971. Everything the family ate came from the farm. They had cattle, chicken, pigs and a huge garden. Cream was made and sold to create a bit of extra money for staples at the store. There was no division of labor in the Pollard house. Everyone cooked, cleaned and did chores, no matter their gender. This is something Jud and Betty passed down to their children and their grandchildren. Men can do dishes and cook. Women can do manual labor and fix. There are many fond memories from the kids growing up at the farm. A common theme from all the children was that their dad was soft, kindhearted and always treated everyone fairly. There were no favorites to him. He was not much for discipline but when he spoke, you listened. The girls recall one time when they were arguing whose turn it was to set the table. Jud finally got fed up with the fighting and made each kid cut out their own cardboard plate. That night they all ate on round cardboard plates. Saturday nights were spent having baths, youngest to oldest and having wrestling matches on the mattress from the attic. Each child has a special word they would like to say to their father: Larry- You were a gentle man. I enjoyed the Sunday drives with you in the country. We would go and visit farms and see the crops. You always liked keeping in touch with the farm. I also remember the Christmas Eve dad when you stopped in town to have a few drinks with your friends. You were driving home a bit under the influence and had to stop by the side of the road for a pit stop. On the stop while hurling your cookies, you lost your false teeth. Verna and I looked for them but never found them until the next day. Amazingly, they were not broken. You also were the host of the best Flyer party in history. Dale- Dad, I loved spending time with you fishing and farming. You were the one who taught me the values of life. Getting up to do the chores in the morning and working on the farm were my fondest memories of you. I was lucky to have played ball with you on the same team; it was fun. One of my best memories was when you, Fred and I were fishing at Loon Lake. You had caught the biggest fish in your fishing career but it got away with your fishhook in its mouth. I teased you that I would catch your fish later on in the day and sure enough I did. We looked in its mouth and it had your fish hook in it, so I gave you the fish. What a day. Kathy- Dad, you were my teacher in life. You always allowed me to make mistakes. You taught me to drive, play ball, eavestrough and ride a horse. My earliest memories were when I was 5 years old. They are of you being a caregiver. You massaged and cared for mom each night because she had polio. You open your door to everyone. Thank you dad for being my dad. Sylvia- Dad you are the person who taught me the value of family and love and that material things do not matter. You were the dad that other kids dreamed of having because you would drop everything and come and play with us or take us to a game. You were also a great coach. None of our sports equipment was ever new. I remember the pair of girl's figure skates you got us. They were size 9. We are all still waiting to grow into them. Wendy- Dad, you always treated us fairly. I cherish the times we spent at the cabin fishing, skidooing and playing cards. You are a kind man who would do anything for anyone. Marilyn- When I look back at our life at home I felt like we had everything. We had potatoes, meat and cream. Everyone had a ball glove and someone to play catch with. It seemed like a little but it was filled with love. We had nothing really but to me, we had EVERYTHING. Shelley- Dad, you were my coach. You taught me how to play ball and you taught me to tease or stretch the truth. Remember the time I teased the neighbors about winning the lottery. You were a great storyteller dad. I remember when I was younger and mom was trying to discipline me. I was dodging her left and right and finally got away and ran down the hall. Mom yelled stop her! And your foot came out, you tripped me and I was caught. Your one moment of discipline. I enjoyed it when you came to visit Kevin and I in Windsor and we went betting on the horses at the track. You loved your horses. And I love that you loved my boys so much. Along with all the children eventually came their spouses. Each son in law had their unique version of how they asked for Jud's daughter's hand in marriage. He liked to put each new family member through the ropes but in the end accepted you as one of his own. He was just happy that his family was getting bigger. The in laws all remember how welcoming Jud and Betty were. If you drove in the driveway, you were expected to stay for dinner. What's one more chicken's head to cut off! Roy recalls one Sunday when 22 people dropped by and everyone stayed for Sunday dinner. Whether it was playing Kaiser or crib, working in the fields or going fishing, the son in laws had a great time with Jud. Harvest time was particularily enjoyable for the son in laws. Working hard in the field and having a great homemade meal off the back of the half- ton was something they looked forward to each fall. The son in laws appreciated him so much that they fondly called him Peckerhead. Years at the farm were hard but filled with fun. They had great neighbors like the Thorsteinens, Gordon & Gertie James, Carl James, Vada & Geoff Smith, the Hemsleys, Ed & Velma, the McMillans and Russell & Vernon. They kept Jud and Betty company at school dances, picnics and playing 500. Jud played ball with the Bear Island Team as a pitcher and left fielder and the family cheered him on. Jud also coached the girls in ball. In 1977, after 30 years of farming, Jud and Betty sold the farm and moved to Lashburn. All the children were then married and moved away with the exception of Shelley. She was fortunate enough to have her mom and dad all to herself. Jud continued working after farming including pumping wells, servicing machinery for Donald farm implements as well as a gas jockey in Maidstone. He started an eavestroughing company with Roy and Wayne and it was called JRW Eavestroughing. He was the boss man; at least until the 2 sons in laws bought him out. This was his final career in his life. For many years, Jud experienced difficulties with his heart. All in all he had 3 heart surgeries to repair blocked arteries and one surgery to have a pacemaker. After one of the surgeries, kelation was needed to ensure his arteries stayed clear. This was an expensive treatment and would take one month in Toronto to go through the procedure. Coming up with the money to go to Toronto was a challenge until the great community of Lashburn came though. With local donations, Jud was able to go to Toronto and have his treatments. Betty was also happy because this meant she could see her favorite team, the Toronto Blue Jays play live. Years in Lashburn consisted of bowling with friends, singing in the church choir, playing cards and coffeeing at the seniors' center and running the kitchen at the arena with Dood. Grandchildren Andy and Michelle reaped the benefits of living in Lashburn as they had Grandpa and Grandma come and watch all their hockey and ball games. Grandpa was the designated taxi driver for Andy and got him to most of his games. Friends from the farming area still stopped by but new friends, Dood and Del, Eileen and Jeff Hall, Des and Ine Holtby and the Crossman's became apart of their lives. Winter was spent watching the Flyers hockey. Roy recalled that when Bill Stodder or Keith McDuff's boys would score a goal, they would shout, "That's my boy!" and when Fred or Roy would score, Jud would shout, "Those are my boys!" Summers were spent traveling the ball circuit with Mike and the Bluebirds. Ball was such an important part of the Pollard family and the love of the game has been passed down the generations right to the great grandchildren. So many special memories were made and people were met during these summers. Jud and Betty often had a Bluebird that boarded with them for the summer. Jud would employ them on the eavestroughing crew. A special trip with the Bluebirds was to NFLD in 1977 when the Bluebirds played in the Canada Summer Games. The Bluebird men fans, George Orr, Jack Staniforth, Bert Thompson, Roy Noble, Allister Milne and of course Jud became famous for their heckling in the stands. When the opposing pitcher started losing her game and was getting hit or walking too many, the men would yell ½ "Leave her in! Take her out!" As the in laws grew in the family, so did the grandchildren. The memories the grandchildren have about grandpa are very similar. Christmases at the house in Lashburn were the most memorable. Grandpa ran the show. He handed out all the presents and always carved the turkey. We would sleep 25 -30 people in their house with all the grandchildren sleeping in the family room. It was the most exciting time of the year for us. One of the most memorable Christmas was when Grandpa's maingey cat ate too much tinsel and threw up right at Roy's head. This woke the whole house up. There was Larry, Jud, Roy and Wayne chasing this cat around in their saggy, blue Stanfield underwear. What a sight! He always chewed his snuff and had his spittoon nearby. In his back pocket he usually carried the latest dirty joke. When we moved them out of their apartment, all of these jokes were found stashed in his bedroom. He was full of smart remarks that kept you on your toes. Fishing for breakfast or just fishing for fun was something done with the grandkids. When you came to see him he always made you feel like you were the most important person and that he had been just thinking of you. "What kept you so long? Get in here and take your shoes off." He also became one of the oldest slow pitch coaches in history as he coached the family KAST slo-pitch team at the ripe age of 73. He taught us to play crib and Kaiser and you had to be sharp. As a Kaiser partner he was the only partner that could bid your hand better than you could yourself. He somehow could always manage to pull 8 tricks out of nothing. In Crib if you didn't count your points correctly, he would take the points you missed counting. In 1991, the family bought a cabin at Peck Lake. Many weekends were spent fishing, quading, digging wells, building and skidooing with Grandpa. Crib and Kaiser were the card games of choice. In 1994, Jud and Betty moved from Lashburn to an apartment in Lloydminster. Kevin and Shelley lived in the apartment below them with their son Cole. Betty would watch Cole while Kevin and Shelley were at work. Jud enjoyed having a crib partner, Kevin, so close to play with. Time was spent coffeeing with friends and relatives and watching the Maple Leafs, the Oilers or Blue Jays on TV. Jud would go every morning to Shyann's restaurant for coffee and to the A&W in the mall, in the afternoon. Jud and Betty would meet Tuck and Norma, Gertie, the Weighills, the Ballachay (Ball-a -shy), Larry Sedgewick and the regular neighbors from the Lashburn area. He really missed this in the last few year when he was not able to go and visit each and everyday. Visiting with his friends was such a big part of his senior years. In recent years regular visits by homecare professionals Jackie and Sandy were highlights of his week. The girls came to not only clean the apartment but to keep Jud company while Betty ran out for coffee and bought groceries. He appreciated the time he spent with these gals. Our growing family brought 34 great grandchildren all of whom he loved visiting with. As his short-term memory faded, his long-term memory stayed intact. Visits with him were filled with stories about growing up as a child at home and his early adulthood. His memories always brought him back to the farm and to his family. He looked forward to each and every visitor he had. When he was happy, you knew that he had had visitors that day. Even in his last weeks the love and appreciation he had for his family shined though. He may have lost some things but his humor was not one. His teasing and good- natured personality was evident still to those who visited him and to the nurses who cared for him. Being with family for all occasions was important to Grandpa and he has made it important to us. We all love having a big family who has grown up together. He taught us the importance of each moment. Families are there for each other, not just for comfort or help but for companionship. We are all close friends and he made that happen. We will miss you so much Grandpa. Your love with stay with us forever. Grandpa will be deeply missed by everyone in this room today. Those who could not be with us I know are thinking of him too. His kindness, generosity, compassion and love of life will never be forgotten. He touched everyone's lives and we touched his. He of course loved everyone but most of all he loved Grandma. When I asked him at his anniversary why he loved you Grandma, the answer came so easy. What's not to love? She is beautiful and kind. She is the love of my life. Some people you know are just meant to be together forever. Soul mates. You and grandpa were 2 of those people. He loved you with all of his heart. That is why it was so hard for him to go. Just because he is gone does not mean he is not here. Wherever you go, whatever you do, he will always be with you. You and grandpa set such a good example of what a truly happy couple looks like. You are our role models and whose marriage we look up to. The pillar of our family is gone but he is never forgotten. This poem rings true the sentiments we are feeling today. God saw that you were getting tired And a cure was not meant to be So he put his arms around you And whispered "come with me" With tearful eyes we watched you suffer And watched you fade away Although we loved you dearly We could not make you stay A golden heart stopped beating And a warm loving heart to rest God broke our hearts to prove to us That he only takes the best Love you forever, love you for always as long as I am living my grandpa you'll be. CARD OF THANKS The family of the late Jud Pollard wishes to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to relatives and friends for the love, kindness and support extended to us in the recent loss of our loving husband, Dad and Grandpa. A sincere thank-you to Dr. Kerlis, Dr. Van Vuuren and Dr. Rogers for looking after Dad's medical needs over the years. Thank-you to the staff of the Lloydminster Hospital, Dr. Van der Merwe and Dr. Kenyon who responded to Dad's needs and kept him comfortable in his final days. A special thank-you to the staff at Points West, Dr. Cooke Extended Care facility and Homecare (especially Jackie) for the kindness, care and support you gave Dad in the last two years. A warm thank-you to Reverend Sue Hertell for her comforting words and prayers which truly expressed Dad's life. Thank-you to Irene Knowlson and the United Church Choir for playing and singing at the service. A special thank-you to Pam and her Dad, Randy Smith for singing one of Dad's favorite songs, "Amazing Grace". A gracious thank-you to Teira and Brad for giving the wonderful tribute to their Grandpa at the service. A warm and sincere thank-you to Dale McCaw and his staff for all the arrangements so thoughtfully and professionally done. Sincere thanks to those who made donations, sent cards, sent flowers, brought food or made calls or visits to our homes. Thank-you each and every one for being there for us, your support will never be forgotten. Betty Pollard Larry & Verna Pollard Dale & Marie Pollard Kathy & Roy Noble Sylvia & Wayne Passmore Wendy Minish Marilyn & Jim Donald Shelley & Kevin Brassington Donations in memory of Jud may be made to the Lashburn Sportsplex.