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TED POLLARD
1937-2019
Ted was born in Southern California. In 1952 his family migrated to BC with a small group of Quakers who had decided to move away from that rapidly developing region and the post-war politics of the USA. They settled and developed homes and farms in the very remote community of Argenta. Hard times fell when the family home burned and Ted was required to give up school and work as a logger for KFP.
In 1961 he married Judy; the love of his life. Soon after, he completed his education and became a land surveyor. During the next decade, they moved around BC, Alberta and the Yukon for different jobs, mostly on hydro-electric projects. Also during this time, there were three children born: Dennis, Debbie and Kevin. In the early seventies plans were made for a big family home to be built in Argenta and while living in Castlegar, the whole gang began construction. For several years, summers were spent digging and hand pouring the concrete foundation walls, peeling and fitting the logs that Ted had cut himself from the surrounding property and building the main floor and deck. Almost all the work was done by Ted and Judy (with a little help from the kids before the daily trips to the lake). The project was interrupted however by what was to become a life changing opportunity: Ted was offered a job teaching surveying and drafting in the Renewable Resource (forestry) Program at Selkirk College. Shortly after taking the job the family moved to their permanent home just outside of Nelson.
During his 25 years as an instructor at Selkirk College, Ted gained a reputation for being tough and somewhat demanding because he was insistent on high standards. Hundreds of students would find however, that beneath the strict expectations he had a soft heart. He was always available in his office (behind the gorilla poster) to help out those who were committed to reaching those standards. Over the years since Ted’s retirement he had many conversations with graduates of the program. Once in the workforce they greatly appreciated his rigorous approach and the skills he taught them.
Ted had an amazing work ethic. He persevered in achieving the goals he set, always with honour, integrity and meticulous attention to detail. In retirement, his focus turned to landscaping and gardening on the family property. He was almost always to be found outside working in the yard.
On Oct. 28/19 Ted had a very serious stroke and was taken to Kelowna hospital where he was treated for two weeks. He was then transferred to Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson for recuperation. In spite of his determination to go home, Ted was not able to rally sufficient strength in his body and he slowly went downhill. He passed away peacefully early morning of Dec. 15/19.
All of us in Ted’s family benefited from his love and his loyalty. He taught us the practicalities of life and passed on his analytical problem solving abilities. Most importantly, he was always there, in every sense. He is greatly missed by his wife Judy, his children Dennis (Barb), Debbie and Kevin (Christine), and his three granddaughters Madison, Lindsay and Matilde.
A celebration of Ted’s life of dedication and labour will be held on the May long weekend in 2020 at the family property. More information will be provided at a later date.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Pollard Theodore Ted July 26 1937
December 15 2019..
Décès pour la Ville: Nelson, Province: Colombie britanique