POLLOCK, Robert Archibald January 12, 1925 — July 6, 2020
Robert passed away at home in Barrie, ON in his 96th year, surrounded by his family as was his wish. He had just returned home after a brief hospital stay due to an overworked and aging heart. He is reunited in death with his one true love, Jean Beryl Pollock (1925-2016), predeceased by his siblings Muriel (Lola) Jackson (St. Catharines, ON), Jack Pollock (London, ON), Ted Pollock (Bobcaygeon, ON) and survived by his sister Mary Ellen Crowe (Grayslake, IL). Loving father of Jim Pollock (Nancy Brookes), Robert Pollock (Robin), and Marni Smith (Rob). Dear grandfather of Jessie Doyle (Seth), Anna Pollock (Michael), Leah Waite (Matthew) and Heath Pollock Smith (Hayley) and loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.
A born athlete, he was known as “The best kicker” on the Oakwood Collegiate football team in his day. An avid swimmer, he was a lifeguard and held the butterfly stroke speed record (for several years) at Toronto’s Royal Canadian Yacht Club while in his youth. He served his country in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a bomber Navigator in the Second World War. A volunteer at heart, he was a founding member of the Twin Mountain Snowmobile Club in Bobcaygeon, ON. He served his community with the Rotary Club in Peterborough as well, his last post as Past President, in the late 70s.
Rob started his career as a teacher of Phys Ed. and Math, but moved on to a life as a salesman and manufacturer’s representative for sporting goods, specializing in Fishing and Hunting equipment, travelling all Ontario and points eastward to the coast. He was a courageous entrepreneur who, with his wife Jean, established and grew a successful, national company, Buck Stop Canada which came from his love of hunting and fishing.
Everyone knew he was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, boating, snowmobiling, skiing, and cottage life, but he also loved designing homes in his spare time. Once there was a pencil in his hand and the drawing started, the family knew another build and move was coming.
Rob loved Jean, family, cottaging and life. All who knew him loved him back.
Rest in peace and find comfort in a long life, well lived.
Due to the current Covid situation, a private family Celebration of Life will be conducted at a later date.