RAYMOND LEON POLLOCK

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RAYMOND LEON POLLOCK After a brief but courageous battle with cancer, Ray passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2008 at the age of 52 years. Ray is survived by his wife of 27 years, Maureen (nee Minuk); sons, Richard and Adam; his parents, Mimi and Gordon Pollock and mother-in-law Edith Minuk. Ray was predeceased by his father-in-law, Max Minuk. Ray also leaves to mourn his brothers, Marshall (Judy), Michael (Ronnie), Joey (Laura) and Avrum (Tracy) and his brothers-in-law, Sammy, Gary (Cheryl) and Yosel (Lindsay). In addition are many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and aunts, uncles, cousins and many close friends who will also miss him dearly. Courage is a rare quality that few are lucky enough to possess. It can be exemplified in many different aspects of life. In Ray's, it was evident in his business, personal and family life. Ray was the kind of person who never shirked from the hard road or a difficult task. He spent much of his life, both business and personal, striving for the best. Ray was not a perfectionist, but a tireless worker. He gave every task 100% of his being until it was completed. This is why he was a successful businessman running his company, Richmond International and more importantly a successful husband and father. Ray's relationships with those around him were always carefully fostered. He never took anyone for granted and cherished all his friendships. He spent countless hours being one of the guys with his son's friends. He sacrificed precious free time and hair to coach his boys in their many sporting endeavours. Few things gave Ray more pleasure than being able to indulge in his hobbies on a quiet Sunday afternoonwhich is almost unheard of in the Pollock house. But he never told the kids to go elsewhere. He just sat amongst the boys and enjoyed the camaraderie. Ray took much pride in his garden and his rediscovered guitar ability. But nothing gave him more pride than his two boys. Richard and Adam never lacked for anything if it was within Ray's ability to get it. Ray would move heaven and earth to help his boys realize their dreams. And never a boastful man in regards to his own successes, Ray would never tire talking about Richard's great goal in hockey or Adam's amazing set at a club. In fact the biggest smile ever seen on Ray's face, the smile that transcended his mouth to his eyes and the rest of his face was the smile for his wife and his sons. Ray and Maureen shared many wonderful years together. They were inseparable. They were best friends who built a beautiful, though too short life together. They gave each other strength, love, meaning and purpose. Courage, as alluded to, can be seen in many forms. Ray showed courage in his perseverance in his business life. He showed courage in his pursuit of his family's happiness. And even in his final moments, he battled his cancer with this same courage. This one word says so much about a man who said very little about himself. Heartfelt thanks are extended to doctors, Czaykowski, Wiebe, Andrew and Greenberg and nurse Denise Klassen with a special mention of Yosel Minuk who balanced being a doctor and a brother and attended to Ray at all appointments, consults, treatments and hospital visits. The funeral was held on Monday, May 5 at the Shaarey Zedek Synagogue followed by interment at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetery. Pallbearers were Mark and Adam Chisick, Michael and Steven Werier and Yale and Seth Shaffer. Honorary pallbearers were Howard Greenberg and Murray Margolis. Those wishing to make a donation in honour of Ray's memory may do so through the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 24, 2008