In Loving Memory
John Pollen, aged 62, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2024, in Victoria, BC after a courageous battle with ALS. Throughout his journey with ALS he was cared for by his loving wife, Shara, while surrounded by love from his large extended family. We want to express our deep appreciation for the care and support provided by the wonderful staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital.
John was born on December 1, 1961 in Vancouver, BC, to his delighted parents, Mary Ann and the late Peter Pollen. He grew up in a close-knit family with his three older sisters, Jane, Dana, and Kathy. Their childhood memories were filled with laughter and unwavering support for one another, followed by a move to Victoria which would become a very special place for the family.
John attended Glenlyon Norfolk School in Victoria for his younger years before going to Appleby College in Oakville, ON, where he forged many long lasting friendships at his home away from home. From there he graduated from Queen’s University with a Degree in Economics.
Following in his father’s footsteps, John became involved in the automobile business where he and his longtime business partners, Michael Stevulak and Brian Elmhirst, owned and operated one of the most successful Mazda dealerships in Canada for over 35 years. John served on the Mazda Dealer Council where he developed great friendships with many fellow dealers and Mazda Canada staff.
John was a great athlete who excelled in many sports. As an adult he was passionate about squash, golf, soccer and particularly tennis.
John was a devoted husband to his wife, Shara, and he was a guiding light for his three children, Alexandra, David, and Max. For all of John’s accomplishments his children were always his greatest source of pride. His legacy will live on in them. John’s most favourite role was that of being a father and step-father where he could always be seen at the side of a rugby pitch, basketball game or soccer pitch. John warmly embraced Shara’s children, Ethan and Wil, who he knew through most of their young lives.
John’s battle with ALS was marked by unwavering courage and grace. Despite the numerous challenges he remained positive, finding solace in family gatherings and the simple pleasures of life.
John is survived by his loving wife, Shara; children, Alexandra, David and Max; Shara’s children, Ethan and Wil; mother, Mary Ann Pollen and sisters, Jane (Ross Woodland), Dana (Michael Stevulak) and Kathy (Michael Jawl). He was a favourite uncle to many nieces and nephews who always appreciated his sense of humor. His memory will be forever etched in our hearts.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Friday, May 3rd at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the ALS Society of BC in honour of John’s fight against the devastating disease.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Ken and Gail Smith
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Melanie Smith We have the fondest memories of John and cherish the years of friendship with him. When I think of John a few memories and characteristics stand out. His interest and kindness with young people was so genuine and heartfelt. His quick wit. His intelligence and captivating conversations. His love for cashmere and the finer things in life 😉 His zest for life, the true stomach hurting kind of laughs we enjoyed. Travels and many evenings spent with him and Shara. His smile. Never to be forgotten John, we will miss your presence here on earth but know you are living on in the beautiful family and friends you have impacted. XO
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Don woodland We are very saddened by John’s passing. A wonderful fellow who we had the pleasure of knowing for many years.
Our sincere condolences to all of John’s family.
Don and Laurie Woodland
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Bill MacPherson John was man with a great smile, calm demeanor and always friendly. How such a healthy and active guy can be taken so quickly from us is heartbreaking. Condolences to all the extended Pollen family.
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Jim Coxon My sincerest condolences to John’s family and friends. I remember John well from our time at Appleby College in Colley House as a friend. His infectious smile, sense of humour and enjoyment of live was evident then. It was so good to see him again at the 2022 reunion. He was one of those who left you feeling enriched at having known him.
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Craig Hawe To all the Pollen clan my sincere condolences and sending the love. The chance John gave me at a serious crossroads in my life journey not only changed my life forever..it saved my life, to say I am grateful doesn’t begin to cover it. John we will see you again one day I am quite sure. You are an amazing man and I will never forget.
Love from the heart JP!
Craig Hawe
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SuAnn My deepest sympathies and condolences to your families. John always had a joyful presence. I am grateful to have met him, he will be missed. Sending love, thought, and prayers.
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Mary Ann Cruickshank (Wiggins) So sad to hear of John’s passing. My thoughts and hugs go to you all. It’s been years since I have seen any of you, but your family played such a big role in my early years. Take care.
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Max Humphreys and Carolyn Power Our deepest condolences to Shara, Mary Ann, Jane, Dana, Kathy, and the entire Pollen family. May you find comfort in your memories of time spent together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
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Karla Wagner I was very sorry to read of John’s death. While I did not know him well, every time I dealt with him, he was unfailingly courteous, unflappable and always able to come up with an answer to any question I might have. My heart goes out to his family, especially Mary Ann. You are in my thoughts.
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Warren Robertson I have great memories of being in the same grade at Glenlyon with John and always appreciated his friendship, especially in sports. He led many of our school sports teams and was a truly gifted athlete. My sincere condolences to the Pollen family.
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Louise & James Houston Dear Kathy & Dana,
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the devastating loss of your brother.
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Andrew - Ottavio We are thankful for the friendship, kindness and support of John along with his sisters, parents and children of our small business in Victoria . John and his sisters have always been a bright light in the city and many of us have them to thank for keeping us motivated to continue to make Victoria the best place to live. Thank you to four generations of the Pollen family and our condolences to Shara, the girls, and Mary Ann for the loss of a great man.
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Ubalda Pozzolo I have no words in knowing about the passing of John. My heart goes to all of you. Please accept our condolences from the depth of our hearts.
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Irene Pozzolo My sincerest condolences to the whole family. Our families have always intertwined from the beginning and each member is special to us in their in way. I cannot picture him without that beaming smile and always remember his kindness. I hope you find solace in these memories and each other as you are a special family for sure. Much love to you all.
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Annie Wong-Harrison Dear Shara and the Pollen Family
We have known John for many years in the car business and I will always remember his smile and great sense of humour. We will miss him very much. Our deepest condolences.
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Mary Ann Bentzon It is very sad to know that such a stellar person in all manner has passed from our lives. Our deep condolences go to his large loving family. I shared a wonderful time with John when we won the mixed doubles in the Oak Bay New Years Classic. I still smile at the thought of our opponents thinking of me as the “weak partner” and John overcame any thought of that with intense returns (and a whole bunch of poaching). A true sportsman and a gentleman with a generous heart and ready smile. You live on, John, in our hearts and our memories.
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Timothy Pike My friendship with John was cemented at Appleby when we became roommates during the 1979 Rugby tour. In addition to everything people have already said, John had a great sense of humor and was committed to having fun – I can still hear his laugh as I write this. I had the opportunity to see John in the past few months. To say that he was brave and courageous in the face of his awful diagnosis seems like an understatement. I was humbled by his attitude. JP may be gone but the world is still a much better place for having had him. My condolences to everyone who will miss him.
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Ross Meredith John. I have very fond memories of our bike rides to glenlyon every morning. You were a habs fan, I was a bruins fan and we debated who had the best team ! All the best to you family
Ross Meredith
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Kevin Hawe Very sad news indeed.
I knew John very early on as our lives and families were entwined through business. We reconnected again in 20’s and ever since then I can’t remember a single time where he wasn’t consistently cheerful and friendly whenever we met. He was a good guy with a fantastic smile that I wish I had known better.
His human kindness and thoughtfulness was manifest in all that he did over the years for my brother Craig. For that leg up and support we are all truly grateful.
Thank you John and our condolences to Shara and the entire Pollen clan.
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Lori Adam Hamilton It is with heartfelt sadness that we write these words of condolence to all of your family. John had a contagious smile that will be remembered forever. We are thinking of you all.
Love Lori, Ron, Blake & Mary, Brett & Kelly
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Jennifer (Rummel) and David Gwilliam To Mary Ann, Jane, Dana and Kathy,
One of my fondest memories of John was seeing him dressed in his school uniform for the first day of school. He was so proud! Although our lives took different paths, various things brought our families together over the years. John will be missed a lot but we will treasure our memories of him and it is a blessing to know he is now free from pain and limitations. Love to all of you.
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Leslee Farrell Dear Shara and Pollen Family, I am devasted to learn that we have lost John. He was a wonderful member of the Board of the Victoria Hospital Foundation, which I had the honour of Chairing. His valuable insights, willingness to work, and incredible sense of humour brought joy to us all. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss of this very special person.
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Mike Hacquard Great car guy and even better family man, something to be said about the ultimate balance and John was that guy. So saddened to hear about this and we wish everyone affected thoughts and prayers.
Mike Hacquard
Wolfe Auto Group
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Shelagh Russell Dear Dana, Kathy and extended family. I am so sorry to read about your brother’s passing. I can only imagine the huge sadness that diagnosis must have brought you all; so sad when I’m sure there was much more life to give. Cherish your memories, re- live all the happy ,fun times spent together. Thinking of you and sending hugs-
Shelagh (Houston)
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John Cannataro Thoughts and Prayers to the Pollen Family.
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Jean Ives Taken so young and by such a vicious illness, our thoughts are with you all as you travel this new path without John. The Pollen clan is a model of unconditional support and we hope that strength brings you comfort. Our very best wishes as you adapt, with John’s spirit in your hearts. Jean Ives and Jim Griffith
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iain hueton Such a shock to hear this news. My heart goes out to John’s family. His winning smile and enthusiasm carried him far on a journey cut short.
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Daniela My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the entire grieving family. Especially to Shara, who I had the pleasure of meeting in person last summer along with John. He was a very warm, open-minded and adventurous man. My thoughts are with you.
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Michael Barron My thoughts are with your entire family’s….. a big part of my life was molded under the guidance of John with Michael and Brian and the automobile business…
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Steve McBride To John’s family and friends, I would like to offer my deepest condolences. John was a great guy. Smart and loads of fun. Most of that fun was shared at Appleby College in Ontario in the 1970’s. I will never forget those times. I’ll never forget John. My thoughts are with all of you who loved him. Strength and peace at this difficult time.
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Bobby Ross John always met me with a smile and I always enjoyed his company! My heartfelt condolences to his family.
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Scott Anderson I was so saddened to hear of John’s passing. He was a classmate, Grade 10 roommate, and friend of mine while attending Appleby College.
So happy to hear of all who supported him in his final days. My condolences to all who knew and loved him, especially to Shara and children. He will be missed,but know he is now free of pain and suffering. He will never be forgotten.
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Peter Boyle Since grade 4 I have appreciated the competitive nature John inherited. Whilst competing against and with John throughout his life we have shared many experiences both at Glenlyon & Appleby College, and thereafter. His keen sense of humour and lust for a Loving life have been a mirror of my own. He will be missed my many in business life, family life and personal life – anyone who was fortunate enough to meet him will attest.
Cheers John and best to All Family.
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Maria My thoughts and prayers go to everyone affected .
We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of John’s devastating diagnosis and passing. We have fond memories of our shared adventures. To his family, you have lost a wonderful father, brother, son and uncle, far too soon, but can take solace in the fact that he will be remembered with great fondness and respect by all of us who knew him.
We toast you John (with the G and T on Nootka Island)! We are glad we got to know you!