Sunny Colleen Pollard

We are very sad to announce the loss of our mother Sunny Pollard, who passed away after a brief illness at Selkirk Seniors Village on November 14th, 2022, having lived with dementia for over a decade. She had been predeceased by her loving and devoted husband, Chris Pollard in February, 2021. She is survived by her children Matt (Lesley) and Lindsey, her grandchildren, Jessica and Eric, and former daughter-in-law Justine, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews in California.

She was born the only child of Ron and Helen Trout in San Jose, California, in 1937. Her father claimed that he named her due to her happy disposition, something that friends and family would recognize in her beautiful and expressive smile, which she kept and shared all her life. She excelled in sports, theater, academics and music, and graduated with her degree in English and History from UC Berkeley in 1960.

Mom was introduced to Dad via a sorority sister, who decided – correctly -- that he was the right guy for her. Mom used to mention Sinatra's "Some Enchanted Evening" when she would talk about how quickly they fell in love. They married in August, 1961 and created a beautiful life together in Victoria, full of travel, art and antique collecting, and creating a home where we kids could flourish. Mom was utterly fearless in showing us the world of theater and music, ranging from PG-14 nights at the Belfry, an unforgettable viewing of Alien (in the 180° Sensaround theater in Seattle) to countless trips to galleries, theaters and museums, everywhere in the world.

Mom expressed her love of the arts in no greater way than in her role as a primary teacher at Saint Michaels Junior School over nearly three decades. Mom was excited by the language of Shakespeare, the spectacle of the Greek myths, the mystery and science behind dinosaurs, and the important role Harry Potter could play in encouraging children to read. She adapted Greek myths and Shakespeare plays for young actors, and gave generations of students – and her own children and grandchildren -- an amazing gift: the confidence to trust their imaginations and to use their creative powers.

We gratefully acknowledge the compassionate care provided by the staff on the Crofton floor at Selkirk Seniors Village. Above all, a heartfelt thanks to Mom's caregiver, companion, and friend, Maureen Schulze, who supported both Mom and Dad in countless ways during her journey.

We would ask that donations be made in her name to the Alzheimer's Society of British Columbia, or to a charity of your choice supporting literacy. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.