Obituary of Gerald Pollom

Gerald Gaynor Pollom of Strome, Alberta, passed away on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at the age of 84 years. Gerald was the fourth son of Agnes and Lawrence Pollom, who grew up on the farm north of Strome and attended the little country school of Westview. His mother died very young leaving five little boys, Gerry, just turned four. They occasionally had the help of some family members, but they otherwise were a "manly" household. His first job away from home, he found in Calgary at a cookie factory and then Stubby's Pop delivery service. He married a local girl, Helen Bednarz and they lived at Drayton Valley where Gerald worked for Schlumberger a number of years. After their marriage ended he worked around the province on the oil rigs and frequently went back to the farm to help out in the busy season. When Gerry's younger brother Frank was killed in a highway accident in 1963, Gerry and older brother Ken stayed home with Dad and began expanding the farm business. Gerry later married, Betty Hawkins Lindseth and they had one son, David, born in 1970. He also acquired a few stepchildren, who proved to be a blessing to Gerald and David, when they lost Betty to cancer in 2004. They especially enjoyed holidays like Christmas time with several of them, who brought more joy and cheer to the season. In the early 70's Betty and Gerry were becoming very focused on collecting antiques. Gerald continued to treasure their collection. Gerald loved all animals whether they were orphans from the wild, typical pets, or not so typical. When attending auctions, perhaps Daysland or Camrose, it was often interesting to see what he was going to drag home. Everything from exotic roosters/chickens to Emu's found a home on their farm! Rodeos were also in Gerry's blood. He entered amateur rodeos in Drayton Valley and Daysland "back in the day." The Bruce Stampede became an annual highlight. Even the times when he was in the hospital it was usually David who picked him up on a pass so he could attend. Fortunately, he even made it to the performance this year. Sometimes there were "minor" catastrophes along the way, which worried David but not so much Gerald. He used his scooter to get around in, but it didn't always make it up the ramp to the porch without tipping over on him! Even the big riding mower could be a hazard for him and the trees! He loved cutting grass so much that David wondered if he was building a golf course when it extended into pasture areas and around sloughs. After he had to have his leg amputated, Providence Place became home. When his dreaded disease returned his beloved farm home was not to be his any longer and he entered a better home. Gerald is predeceased by his parents Lawrence and Agnes; brothers Ray, Ken, Alfred, and Frank; and wife Betty. He is survived by son David (Tanya); stepchildren Sandy, Kathy (Wally), Charlene, Holly (Pat), Greg (Corby), and Rick (Dina); numerous other relatives and friends. Gerald, Gerry, G.G., or Dad, whoever he was to you, you are here because he meant something to you - and to many. May we treasure the memories. A Funeral Service was held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, September 9, 2017 from Our Lady of the Prairies Roman Catholic Church, Daysland, Alberta with Rev. Deanna Cox officiating. Interment has taken place at Wavy Lake Cemetery. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to S.T.A.R.S. Air Ambulance, Daysland Hospital Foundation, or to Providence Place Daysland.