William "Andy" Pollock

William Andrew “Andy” Pollock

February 15, 1957 – February 25, 2020

After a courageous battle with cancer, our dear Andy passed away peacefully in Kelowna, BC with his family by his side. In his last moments he said, ‘Don’t be sad, I had a great life. I have no regrets, live your lives, and be happy’. Our family looks forward to sharing many wonderful memories in the days to come. Anyone that had the pleasure of knowing Andy will remember his infectious smile, his musical talent, and great sense of humour. He will always be in our hearts.

Andy was born in Vancouver, his family moved to Barrie in 1959 where they became members of the Sandy Bay Hunt Club in northern Georgian Bay. Over the years ‘The Camp’ turned into a family vacation spot and it has evolved into a spiritual place for many who have had the pleasure of spending time there.

1968 brought big changes - Andy’s family moved to Caledon, Ontario and joined the Caledon Ski Club and Chinguacousy Golf Club. He also went off to boarding school at Upper Canada College. UCC did not allow enough weekend time away for his passion, ski racing, so Andy changed schools - to the newly opened Mayfield S.S. He joined the football team as QB and won the Ontario championship. At Mayfield he was affectionately known as Mr. P. His natural talent as a musician evolved from the pit orchestra to forming a band that played school and ski club functions. Andy also had an encyclopedic knowledge of jazz, blues and classic rock.

After studying Economics at the University of Western Ontario, he became a licensed Realtor in 1980. A few years later, in 1984 he became a member of the Appraisal Institute of Canada.

Andy met the love of his life, Karen Jones, at the Caledon Hunt Club in June of 1982. Andy and Karen were inseparable from that moment until his final day. They married June 1, 1985 and welcomed their first child Jamie in 1986, and Sean arrived in 1988. They worked together from 1991 as real estate appraisers and Incorporated as Pollock Appraisers and Consultants Inc. in 2015.

Andy was a phenomenal father. He coached or managed many of his sons’ sports teams and would arrange his work schedule around their various sporting events. He enjoyed great friends and family, skiing, coaching, golf, travel, parties, fine food, cycling, hiking, wine, and oh the music! No wonder he had no regrets.

Another big passion was his band ‘Bad Weather’ which formed in 1996. Tom, John, Dixon and Andy always ‘rocked’ the house at CSC, fundraisers, private parties, and company events with full dance floors and empty seats commonplace.

Andy and Karen were blessed with their first grandchild, Aurora in 2016 followed by Violet in 2018. Roots were deep in Caledon, but the love for his grandchildren and growing family was too compelling. Kelowna became home in December 2018. New neighbours and friends welcomed Andy and Karen providing unconditional love and support (and snow removal!) through the most difficult time of their lives. Their Ontario friends and family didn’t waiver, distance didn’t change a thing. There have been many visits, calls, and messages that have been sustaining Andy’s family during the past challenging months.

Retirement was not an appealing concept and he wrote his last appraisal in Kelowna in late January of this year.

Andy will forever be missed by his loving wife and business partner Karen (Jones), son Jamie Pollock, and his wife Aly (Eddy), his precious grandchildren Aurora and Violet, son Sean Pollock and partner Lizz Hodgson, his brother Jeff and wife Karen, sister Julie and husband Bob Gordon, mother-in-law Rena Jones, and a large extended family. He was predeceased by his parents Jack Pollock and Jean Pollock (Krueger).

Karen and her family want to thank the many people that have provided love and support and will continue to guide them through. They also wish to thank the highly skilled and compassionate health care team at Kelowna General Hospital, BC Cancer, the Palliative Care health Team, and Kelowna Hospice House. Their care was truly impressive.

Andy’s family will endeavour to fulfill his final wishes.

There will be a private celebration of his life to be determined.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com.

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna. 250-762-2299

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com for the Pollock family.