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It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the passing of Bruce Barton Pollard on February 18, 2014 in the Williams Lake Hospital. After a brief hospital stay, he succumbed to medical complications. Bruce left this world peacefully surrounded by his beloved family.

Bruce leaves behind his wife Verna, the love of his life. Also left to grieve are his 4 children; Bev ( and Les), Mike ( and Joyce), Gary, Bill ( and Jennifer). 9 grandchildren, 10 Grand grandchildren, 3 brothers; David (and Helen), Gerry ( and Margaret), Gordon ( and Sharron), and 1 sister Frances (and Brent). Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and many, many friends. Bruce was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Helen Pollard.

Born into a ranching family, it was quite natural that he became a Clinton 4H Club member at an early age, learning what he could about cattle and ranching. Many years later, his 3 sons also joined the same 4H Club and Bruce helped behind the scenes. Not only did he help his own family, he often helped out other families by transporting steers to Kamloops for the Provincial Winter Fair which was in November at that time.

Sports played a big part in Bruce’s life. He played basketball and baseball during his high school years. At an early age, Bruce began playing hockey at the outdoor rink in Clinton, often arriving early to clear the snow off the ice. He continued playing hockey all through his teens and into his adult years. Jersey #8 belonged to Bruce while playing forward for the Clinton Bluebirds, Williams Lake Stampeders (1955/56) and then for the Kamloops Chiefs (1959/60). However, the demands of playing for the Chiefs in addition to working the ranch and family life were too much so he returned to play with the Bluebirds for many more years.

Bruce and Verna, along with their 4 children, ranched for many years in the Clinton area. After moving to Kamloops in 1980, Bruce earned his private pilot’s licence and enjoyed many hours flying his Cessna 172 and later his Piper Archer. Always up for adventure, Bruce and Verna moved to Fort Saint John, BC. At the age of 60, Bruce earned a certificate in Industrial First-Aid and worked for several years in the north. This is also where Bruce developed a love of woodworking. He made numerous projects for family and friends plus many custom orders which were sold at a specialty store.

After a major surgery, Bruce and Verna moved back to the Cariboo settling in Williams Lake in 2009. There, they enjoyed numerous trips in their little motorhome pursuing Bruce’s passion for fishing at the many lakes in the area. Bruce was also an avid reader and kept up with current events. Using his self-taught computer skills, he kept in touch with his ever expanding family which were his pride and joy. He was genuinely interested in people and made everyone feel special.

Bruce struggled to recover from several other major surgeries and he met each day with a positive attitude and great sense of humour, which was admired by all who knew him. Bruce will be greatly missed. He leaves behind countless memories and will be forever in the hearts of those he loved.

A Celebration of Life was held in the Clinton Community Hall on February 22, 2014. Donations can be made to a charity of your choice in Bruce’s memory.



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