Robert Donald Poluck

It is with great sadness that the family of Robert Donald Poluck “Bob” announces that he passed away peacefully on Friday, November 7, 2014 at the Rockyview Hospital in Calgary, AB at the age of 81 years.

Bob was loved by all who knew him. He was born in Calgary, AB on March 29, 1933. When his father, John, was stationed in Europe during WWII, Bob and his younger siblings resided at the Salvation Army Home. As a young boy during the war, Bob sold newspapers on the street corner in downtown Calgary. Later, he became a telegraph boy delivering telegraphs during the War. In his late teens, Bob organized local dances at Penley’s Dance Hall. He quickly developed a reputation for being a tough guy; someone you didn’t want to mess with! Bob worked a brief stint in the oil patch in Northern Alberta and decided he had to try something else so he cycled to Vancouver, destination Kitimat, BC, where he worked in the lumber camps. He eventually returned to Calgary and began working for the City of Calgary as an Inspector, where he remained for 35 years. Bob met his wife, Marge, in Airdrie, AB and they were married on August 4, 1956 and were married for 56 years. One of his proudest accomplishments was building his home on 37 Street with his father from the ground up. Bob and Marge resided at that same residence in Calgary all their lives. One of his biggest passions was canoeing. In 1967, Bob paddled for Alberta in the world’s longest canoe race – the Centennial Canoe Race, from Rocky Mountain House, AB to Montreal, QC; voyageur style. Over a 10 year period, Bob paddled competitively and for pleasure throughout Canada including the Great Lakes, Hudson’s Bay, the Northwest Territories and the Yukon. In 1976, he and the Alberta Team were invited to Maui, Hawaii to compete against the Hawaiians in their outrigger canoes. The Alberta Team won! Bob’s hobby extended to building fiberglass canoes and kayaks in his garage. He often took his young family on canoeing/kayaking and camping trips and he was actively involved in his son’s hockey days, attending many games and practices over the years. Bob was all things Calgary and enjoyed its western heritage including the Stampede, rodeo, chuck wagons, John Wayne movies, western shirts, belt buckles and country and western music. He developed an interest in horse racing and the casino and would often be found at Stampede Park or at the Cash Casino playing Keno. Bob and Marge were avid hikers and could often be seen hiking the walk paths of Calgary. Enroute they would often stop at Dusty’s, the Silver Dragon or Peter’s Drive In. As well as travelling throughout Canada, he travelled with his family to Vegas, Hawaii, Mexico, various states in the US, England and the Canary Islands. In his later years, Bob took great pride in spending time with his grandchildren and watching them grow up. He enjoyed the great outdoors and one of his favourite drives was through Kananaskis. Family always came first to Bob and he would do anything for them. His signature trademark curl at the front of his hair and his strong minded, but caring nature is how we best remember him. He was unique, down to earth, caring, charismatic, dynamic, funny, high energy and a real man’s man. Bob was always there for his kids and grandkids regardless of the time, place or circumstances. Bob was a great man, husband, father, grandfather, friend, role model and a true legend. Bob will be missed by his children, Rodger, Clinton, Rhonda, and Glenda; son-in-law, Steve; and grandchildren, Savannah and Rhys. He is also survived by his sisters, Yvonne Wooley and Patsy Bachmeier. He was predeceased by his wife, Marge, in 2012. He was also predeceased by his parents, Esther Roberston and John Poluck as well as by brothers, Cameron and Raymond.

A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held at the Southern Alberta Pioneers Association, 3625 4 Street S.W., Calgary on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.