ROBERT SAUL POLLICK

Condolences & Memories (3 entries)

• This is truly sad news for us. Our condolences go out to Charlotte, Josh and the rest of the family. Bob was a good friend to my wife Marilee and me for the past 16 years. We met him at one of the seders the Jewish community held in Grand Prairie. We were immediately impressed by his intelligence and sense of humour so we invited him and Charlotte to dinnner. After that, he was at our house constantly, 2 or 3 times a week. Bob and I had some great conversations about life, sometimes deep into the night. And no matter what topic you broached, Bob seemed to know all about it. From travelling to finances, furniture to farming, politics to religion, Bob knew the subject inside out. He was our go-to guy when we needed advice. Bob truly cared about his friends. When I lost my job, I could see Bob's empathy for me. It really hurt him to know I was hurt. He also gave me great advice on the lawyer I should seek out to get a fair settlement. And, of course, he was right. Bob was something of a gourmet and one of his great pleasures was dining out. We spent many lovely evenings at the Golden Star Restaurant in Grande Prairie. Another time, we stopped in at an Edmonton Italian restaurant that Bob said had a good reputation (Bob was famous for doing extensive research before going on a trip). He ordered Pasta Carbonara. After a few bites, you could see the dismay on Bob's face. He was not impressed, but hated to admit that his research on this restaurant had not paid off. However, the meal was so bad that he finally called the waiter over. 'This pasta', he said, 'is really inedible'. So we all waited half an hour while they prepared Bob another meal. We left Grande Prairie for Vancouver Island 10 years ago, and my only big great regret about that was losing those chats and meals and trips with Bob. Oh, we talked on the phone and emailed regularly, but as everyone knows, it's never the same. We always hoped we would live near him again some day, but the bitter truth is now that will never happen. These last 3 years have been terribly difficult. Seeing Bob's determination to live raised our hopes that he would beat the cancer, and at times he seemed he had. Through all of it, Marilee and I marvelled at his courage. In my talks with him, I never suggested I understood what he was going through, as I'm certain no one can know what it's like unless they've lived it. These days, I am constantly thinking of Bob. I have to keep reminding myself that he is gone. We will hold on to the good memories and try to forget the painful ones. Bob sometimes spoke fondly of his brother Jack, who was a young man when he died of cancer decades ago. Bob seemed haunted by this tragedy, and probably worried the same fate might befall him, as it finally did. Just once, Bob, I wish you had been wrong. - Posted by: Alan Whitzman (Friend) on: Apr 30, 2013

• Bob, you were larger than life in all things you undertook to do. The Grande Prairie Bar will miss your unique style and exuberance. Condolences to your loved ones. - Posted by: Steven Shavers (Professional Collegue) on: Apr 30, 2013

• I am so very sorry to read of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May Hashem comfort you and your family. - Posted by: Paula Lehmann Black (friend) on: Apr 29, 2013