Michael James Pollock

Michael James Pollock, age 63, passed away suddenly on Feb. 20, 2021 at his beloved property in Leslie, MO. Mike was born in Washington, MO to Louis and Patricia Pollock on November 7, 1957. After attending Our Lady of Lourdes Grade School and St. Francis Borgia High School, he earned his Forestry degree from the University of MIssouri-Columbia in 1980. The same year, he married his high school sweetheart, Patricia (Holzem), and moved to Fernandina Beach, Florida, where he worked for Container Corporation of America. While living in Florida, the couple enjoyed sailing, making bonfires on the beach, and establishing life-long friends. Their daughter Katie was born in 1984. In 1987, Mike and Tricia moved to St. Louis to be closer to their families. Mike went on to earn his M.B.A. from Washington University in 1989, and began his new career path at Sigma Chemical Company. They welcomed their son, Austin in 1992. Mike then joined O’Brien Corporation as CFO in 2001 and guided the company through multiple acquisitions and the establishment of operations in Europe and Asia. In 2012, Mike joined his longtime friend and colleague, Bob O’Brien, as President of O’Brien Capital. Mike was an active member of Ste. Genevieve du Bois Parish and sang in the church choir for 14 years. He pursued many passions and hobbies that were eagerly passed on to his children and grandchildren. He remained a committed outdoorsman his entire life, climbing, fishing, hiking, and hunting waterfowl in the woods of Missouri and across the country. He also taught himself woodcarving and blacksmithing, and used his talents to craft tools and devotional objects for family and friends. As his grandchildren can attest, “Poppy can make anything.” Mike’s faith was incredibly strong, and he was eager to share his personal relationship with Christ with his family and parish community. A very humble man, his favorite line from Mass was always, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed.” He bravely battled cancer for the past 3 years, and taught his family how to bear suffering with strength and grace. His mantra throughout it all was “Don’t drag your cross, rather, hold it high!” The greatest joy in Mike’s life was his family. He is survived by his most beloved wife and best friend of 40 years,Tricia; his daughter Katie (Jeff) Martin and son Austin; his four grandchildren: Tucker, Grady, Wyatt and Amelia; his four siblings: Mark (Phyllis) Pollock, Michelle (Chris) Dwyer, Matt (Margie) Pollock, Mitch (Kelly) Pollock; his father and mother in-law Steve (Virginia) Holzem, in-laws Gary (Reenie) Holzem, Craig (Annette) Holzem, Lisa (Mark) Garcia, Terry (Lisa) Holzem, Curt Holzem, nieces, nephews, extended family and treasured friends. A funeral service will be held at Ste. Genevieve du Bois Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. on March 5, 2021, preceded by a visitation at 9:00 a.m. A private burial will follow at St. Francis Borgia Cemetery in Washington, MO. He was a huge advocate of Catholic education. Memorial contributions can be made to Ste. Genevieve du Bois School in Warson Woods and St. Peter-Kirkwood School..