OBITUARY
Richard John Polgar
September 6, 1969 – February 4, 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Rick Polgar on February 4, 2021 at the Brantford General Hospital in his 52nd year. Beloved son of Mary and the late Steve Polgar. Loving brother of Steve Jr. (Cathy) and Mike (Denise). Dear uncle of Monica, Cade, Madison and Ella. Sadly missed by his Aunt Mary and cousins in Australia as well as his Aunts Teresa and Irene in Hungary and many close friends. In his early life Rick was very active in sports and his academics. He became a lawyer, graduating from North Dakota and McGill University, where he played football. He was a sports agent with clients in the CFL and NFL. In Brantford, he played baseball, basketball and football where he made many lasting friendships. Although he struggled with a long illness in his later years he always maintained a positive attitude and his excellent sense of humor. The family would like to say a special thank you to the staff of C7 at the Brantford General Hospital for their compassionate care of Rick. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to THORPE BROTHERS’ FUNERAL HOME. As expressions of sympathy donations to Brantford Community Health Services Foundation would be appreciated. Memories and condolences may be shared below.
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
Richard John Polgar
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ADD A MEMORYEarl Zukerman
February 17, 2021
OBIT: Rick Polgar, sports agent and McGill football linebacker, was 51
MONTREAL – Rick Polgar, a product of the McGill University football program who went on to a legal career as a sports agent, passed away on Feb. 4 at Brantford General Hospital. He was 51.
A native of Brantford, Ont., who was born on Sept. 6, 1969, he had been battling with multiple sclerosis for more than two decades.
Polgar, a 5-foot-10, 234-pound linebacker, was recruited out of the St. John's College Eagles and played three seasons at McGill before graduating in 1992 with an arts degree in history and political science. He went on to study law at the University of North Carolina.
Among the first clients he signed were McGill grads Jean-Philippe Darche and Randy Chevrier, both of whom went on to a pro football careers in the CFL and NFL. He also represented Val St. Germain, a McGill product who had an NFL tryout with the Green Bay Packers and a lengthy CFL career.
"He was a good man, very determined and passionate," recalled Chevrier in a telephone conversation from Calgary. "He often described himself as being politely persistent."
Despite struggling many years with his illness, Polgar managed to maintain a positive attitude and sense of humour.
"I will remember Rick as a very dedicated, bright and driven man," said Dr. Darche, currently a team physician for the Kansas City Chiefs. "He was instrumental in me getting an opportunity to play in the NFL, for which I will always be thankful."
Predeceased by his father (Steve), he is survived by his mother (Mary) and two brothers (Steve Jr. and Mike). Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private mass was held at St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church. A celebration of his life will take place at a later date. The family has suggested that donations may be made to the Brantford Community Health Services Foundation. Memories and messages of condolence can be posted online.
SOURCE
Earl Zukerman
Communications Officer
McGillAthletics & Recreation
Wendy Holloway(RD)
February 9, 2021
I send heartfelt condolences to all the family. I remember Rick fondly for his sense of humour. He was a pleasure to visit as he always made me smile.
Caroline Davidson
February 8, 2021
Dear Mary & family:
I am very sorry to hear about your loss, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Josephine Brown & family
George Bell
February 8, 2021
Mrs. Polgar and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Richards passing. We had many great conversations when he used to travel with Operation Lift. He was a very loving, caring and smart gentleman!
I will forever hold our chats in my memories.
You and your family are in my heart and thoughts.
George
David Rourke
February 7, 2021
... and that smile!
David Rourke
February 7, 2021
My deepest condolences to the Polgar family. Rick was the epitome of sincerity, friendship and leadership, both on and off the court. Great memories from CYO and SJC. Truly one of the good guys; his loss leaves me with a heavy heart.
mary Taylor
February 7, 2021
One summer day Rick, as a student, came to our house selling steak knives.
After making his presentation, I asked about the price. When he told me, I looked into his big, beautiful eyes and asked, “Do you know why I’m buying these, because it’s you and being Maltese helps too”. We laughed and laughed. We talked more about Malta.
He had the great gift of gab and told him he should become a salesman. He mentioned he was thinking about Law. I told him that was close enough. I did encounter Rick a few more times, but that day is my favourite memory of him.
He was a beautiful man, and I’m sure he is looking down with much love and pride on all his family but especially his devoted mom, Mary,
Mary Taylor
Ken Taylor
February 7, 2021
Hello Polgar family,
I am so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing.
Rick was a dear friend to me as well as many others in his life.
I was a great fan of Rick both as a person and as an athlete.
He played the game with great enthusiasm and purity. I loved to hear him talk about professional sports. He was extremely knowledgeable about the inner workings and would have become a wonderful sports agent had this terrible illness not taken over his life.
We will miss his presence forever.
Sincerely,
Ken Taylor
Joan Jacquemain
February 7, 2021
Dear Mary, Steve and Mike
George and I send you our thoughts and prayers in memory of Rick.We have prayed for him many Sundays at St Pius Mass. A few years ago I happened to see Rick at St. Joseph’s Hospital.We had a very enjoyable visit . He did not complain about his illness and I have admired his strength to bear it. Mary I know that you have been such a huge support for Rick throughout these years.
Ken Taylor
February 7, 2021
Hello Polgar family,
I am so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing.
Rick was a dear friend to me as well as many others in his life.
I was a great fan of Rick both as a person and as an athlete.
He played the game with great enthusiasm and purity. I loved to hear him talk about professional sports. He was extremely knowledgeable about the inner workings and would have become a wonderful sports agent had this terrible illness not taken over his life.
We will miss his presence forever.
Sincerely,
Ken Taylor
Joan Cubbon
February 7, 2021
Dear Mrs Polgar and family, I will add my voice to those of an entire community to acknowledge your profound loss and pain. We sit with you in the silence, as you hold all your memories dearly.
Joan (Cunningham) Cubbon
Linda Buckley
February 7, 2021
Dear Mrs. Polgar and family,
My mom kept me updated with the news of your family’s many successes, I think it was your shared Maltese heritage.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Rick, a life well lived for certain.
May the many memories of joy lighten the burden of grief in the days ahead.
Sincerely,
Linda (Cunningham) Buckley
Nigel romany
February 6, 2021
My Condolences to the entire family, Rick was always a great guy and I am sure he will be missed by all.
Isabel Horvath
February 6, 2021
Dear Mary and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of Rick. May the special memories you hold of him bring you some measure of comfort during this difficult time and in the days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Isabel Horvath
Beth Cunningham
February 6, 2021
Mrs. Polgar and family,
May your happy memories shine light during this difficult time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Barb Cunningham
February 6, 2021
I remember Rick winning school council Prez at SJC on the platform of promising walking shorts to be added to the uniform- and he won, and we got walking shorts! From St.Leo’s to St. John’s and on Varadi Ave many happy memories of my brother and Rick together, and now together again❤️ Hoping great memories comfort you in your grief
Ann Apostoli
February 6, 2021
Dear Mary and family,
Sending you our heartfelt condolences. May God grant you strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Ann Apostoli and family
Julianna Czikk
February 6, 2021
Dear Mary and Family
We are so sorry to hear of Rick's passing! Please accept our deepest sympathies. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad and difficult time. May he rest in peace.
Julianna Czikk and Family
Louie and Cathy Czikk
Paul Blaha
February 6, 2021
To the Polgar family, I share sorrow for your loss. My memories of Ricky are of an admirable man who accomplished so much. He had a booming voice which exuded confidence, intellect, compassion, and what was heard was the true spirit he possessed. Not only was he a fearless athlete on the field, but he was an inspiration to those fortunate to be in his life. Your family is not just in my thoughts and prayers, but in those of the entire Blaha family. Rest in peace Ricky!
Rob Smith
February 6, 2021
Mary, Steve, Mike and family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Rick. Many great memories come to mind coaching Rick . A great guy from a great family.
Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rob Smith
Linda and Rob Bishop
February 6, 2021
Mary, Our hearts are heavy and we know yours is too! The world lost a wonderful soul! There is a Dr. Seuss quote that I love - “ Do not cry because it is over. Smile because it happened! “ Rick happened in life! He happened as a son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and as a friend to Fred and our family! His positive attitude and fabulous sense of humour was infectious and will never be forgotten! “ Death ends a life, not a relationship.” ( Mitch Albom) Rick will always be with you!! Until we meet again, take care!
Love,
Linda and Bob Bishop
Heather and Bill Harrow
February 6, 2021
Dear Mary and Family, Please accept our condolences. Our memories of Rick are wonderful ones! He was a remarkable person. May your memories help you to get through this difficult time.
Louise McColeman
February 6, 2021
Dear Mary and Family: Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Rick. I remember Rick as a student at St. Leo’s School many years ago. My husband, Gord, spoke so highly of Rick and his brothers when he coached them at SJC.
Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely, Louise McColeman
Michael Jaeger
February 6, 2021
So sorry to hear of Rick's passing. I practised law with Rick approx. 12 years ago. It's been a couple of years since I saw Rick but I often think about his good spirit and sense of humour. He will be missed.
Nadia Mercante
February 6, 2021
Dear Mrs Polgar,
My most heartfelt and sincerest condolences are extended to you and the entire Polgar family at this time. Mrs. Polgar- I have nothing but fond memories of you as my grade 4 teacher at St Leo’s Elementary School. I will never forget how proud you were of your three boys and all their accomplishments. Rick was a special person- he excelled academically, athletically and left a lasting impression on so many.
May you find peace and comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering and may all the special memories of your son guide you through this difficult time.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Nadia (Mercante) Fenn and Family
Joe & Nancy Lacko
February 6, 2021
Mary & Family
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May happy memories carry you through this most difficult time. You are in our thoughts.
Victoria Chippindale
February 6, 2021
Please accept my sincere condolences Mrs. Polgar. Rick brightened lives at BGH, as you did. It was a privilege to care for him. Your devotion to Rick, and your kind and sunny ways brought light to him and to C7 staff and patient families. May his memory be a blessing to you, and light perpetual shine on Rick in his new heavenly home🙏
Michael Sciberras
February 5, 2021
Rick exemplified the best qualities a person can have: intelligence, grit, resiliency, humour, and dedication all come to mind. A no quit mantra saw Rick excel at school, in sports, and even after receiving a dreaded diagnosis so many years ago.
Rick was a true friend, a bad word never said about anyone. Rick was special to our entire family. Our friendship only strengthened as the years went by. Our children loved Rick as a staple in our family. From the years on Varadi Ave, at St. Leo’s, to St. John's and beyond, memories of time spent with Rick will forever be cherished.
Rick made all his friendships stronger, and even through his illness, made a great family even stronger. Although a void has been left, we are content that Rick is at peace and probably engaged in a deep discussion somewhere beyond this life.
Michael, Patricia, Natalia, and Luca Sciberras
John and Josephine Sciberras
Lisa, Steven, Eric, and Mathew Mizzi
Carol Alan and family Giles
February 5, 2021
Dear Denise, Mike
Monika, Cade
and families,
We are so sorry for your loss.
Our thoughts and prayers are with
you at this most difficult time.
With deepest sympathy, ❤️🙏
Carol, Al
Catherine and Peter Giles
Jennifer McFarlane
February 5, 2021
Mary and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. It was a pleasure to help to take care of Rick at BGH. He had such a great sense of humor. He loved the Canadians, I love the Leafs and I'd tease him often when the Leafs would win. I will miss him dearly.
Jennifer McFarlane
PSW, C7
Stephen Beda
February 5, 2021
Mary and family
My sincerest condolences to all of you. My chance meeting with Rick was truly inspirational for me with his passion for sport , the law and family. We shared many spirited discussions together and truly considered him a dear friend.
Stephen Beda and Family
Mike Vincze
February 5, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Mrs Polgar, Steve and Mike and families. An amazing friend who was active in sports and school. Loved the story of Rick telling me his favourite memory was playing with his brothers for the Brantford Red Sox and the love for his dad and mom. Always smiling and laughing with a wonderful outlook on life ❤️. Mike Vincze and sons Mike jr., Paterson and Aden.
Gerry Byrne
February 5, 2021
Mary. I extend my sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your son. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Mark Blaha
February 5, 2021
On and off the basketball court, fond memories of such a great guy, sorry to hear this sad news as my thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Polgar family
Take care
Sincerely
Mark Blaha
Carol Coleman
February 5, 2021
Mary and family
Our sincere condolences to all of you. Rick was a great guy. Many fond memories of past fun times
The Coleman family