Ron Pollard passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on April 5, 2025 at the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital after a brief illness. He was 84 years old.
From humble beginnings in Bowmanville, Ron lived out the Canadian dream. He overcame incredible adversity early on, losing his father at the age of 12. Ron set aside his own ambitions and took on the role of the main breadwinner of his family. You’d think that’s the beginning of a biography of a self-made billionaire, entrepreneur or politician. Rather, it’s the story of an ordinary man, who lived a life full of riches—not the monetary kind, but in all other ways that matter. To take a true measure of a man is to see his goodness, his loyalty, his honour—so it is without doubt that here was a man of greatness. Ron was a hardworking, decent gentleman whose word meant something. He earned the respect of his peers whether working at GM or managing the local Beer Store.
Anyone who knew him, from the Blackhawks hockey team or volunteering at the Uxbridge Fair to residents at Testa Heights, recognized his strength of character, generosity of spirit and love for his community. Ron received a citation from Durham Regional Police for his help identifying and arresting three men charged with assault and robbery. He co-founded the return of minor league softball in Uxbridge. In 1984, as part of the Uxbridge Black Hawk Oldtimers Hockey Club, he was among the team that ran from Uxbridge to the Meeting House in Catawissa, PA.
Of course, knowing Ron was to also know Marlene, his partner and love of his life for over 63 years. Together they built a life beyond imagination and were able to retire to their beloved Steenburg Lake for 20 years. Ron was an artist at heart who expressed himself not with words, but through gestures (and if you were naughty, you’d get one of his legendary stares!) He sketched and carved, even played the spoons. But what gave him the most joy was his incredible legacy: two sons Dan (Jodi) and Michael (Wei), grandchildren Matthew (Ashley), Dylan and Jensen, and great-grandchildren Hudson and Bentley. We will miss you forever, Gigi.
A celebration of Ron’s life will be held at The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 170, 109 Franklin St, Uxbridge on Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 1:00 – 4:00 PM. Memories will be shared at 2:30 PM.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to Stephanie, Marilyn and the entire care team at the Uxbridge Cottage Hospital for their kindness and compassion. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.
