Edward Pollard

DEATH NOTICE FOR ED POLLARD
Ed Pollard, age 86, of Alexandria, formerly of Osakis passed away Sat., Aug 1 at the Bethany Home in Alexandria, MN. Memorial services are planned for Thursday, Aug. 13, 2015 at 2:00 pm at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Osakis. Visitation hours are from 4 - 8 pm on Wednesday evening at the church with a prayer service at 7:30 pm.
Edward A. Pollard Life History
"We come into this world. We work to improve it. We work to leave it a better place for the next generation." Edward Pollard, January 1988

Edward A. Pollard, 86, passed away August 1, 2015 in Alexandria, Minnesota. He was born July 7, 1929 in Osakis, Minnesota to Mathilda E. and Edward C. Pollard, Sr. After graduation from Osakis Public High School in 1947, he studied chemical engineering at St. John's University, Collegeville, Minnesota. He married Jane G. Campbell on September 21, 1950. They had four children. Jane passed away in June 1985. Ed married Bonnie Ericson Price on December 27, 1987. They were avid book readers, performing arts patrons, and family gathering hosts. Bonnie passed away in February 2005.

Ed had a life-long commitment to community and public service. He became a Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout in 1946. Later service includes president of the Osakis Rotary Club and Chamber of Commerce. In 1963 he collaborated with community leaders to establish the Community Memorial Home. He ran for Osakis City Council at age 25, re-ran after defeat, and won in 1956. In 1961, he was elected mayor and served 8 years. From 1978 - 88 he again served as mayor and resigned to relocate to Alexandria.

Ed joined the Osakis Fire Department in 1954. His service includes Assistant Chief (13 years) and Fire Chief (15 years). Instrumental in starting Osakis Volunteer Ambulance, Ed provided it with 17 years of professional training. A popular, humorous and engaging after-dinner speaker, Ed also tried acting. He was successful as the lead in 1971's community theater comedy "Paddle Your Own Canoe."

Recognizing 75 years of combined community service, and leadership to build a Community Center, in1988 Osakis honored him with "Ed Pollard Day." Festivities included the Key to the City presentation and formal announcement of the Ed Pollard Community Center name.

Ed was active in his church community. At Church of the Immaculate Conception, he was a Board of Directors member, Lector, Rosary leader, Lay Eucharistic Minister, and Knight of Columbus. He had a key role in getting St. Agnes built.

Ed was manager and a proprietor of Pollard's Mill and Elevator with locations in Osakis and Nelson, Minnesota. In the 1970's, Ed and Jane earned instructor credentials in the new field of Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). They traveled Central Minnesota to train hundreds in emergency response medicine and medical transport. Starting in 1987, Ed served 12A½ years as a Douglas County Assessor. After his 1999 retirement, Ed operated an Assessing business serving area cities and townships.

Ed's leadership extends beyond Osakis. Achievements include president of Douglas County Firefighters, director and president of Lake Region Firefighters, director and secretary-treasurer of Volunteer Firemen's Benefit Association, and a committee chair and regional representative for the Minnesota Fire Department and Minnesota Fire Chiefs Association Board of Directors. Ed served on the Board of Directors of the former Northwest Agri-Dealers Association.

Survived by children: Kathryn of Roseville, MN, Janet Haskey (Ron) of Baldwin City, KS, John of Alexandria, MN, Mary Beth McFadden (Michael Erin) of Lakeville, MN and five grandchildren Kirk Pollard, Sarah, Collin, Marshall, and Ryan McFadden; sister, Joann Louvaris of Montreal, Quebec, Canada; many nieces and nephews; Price family, their children and grandchildren - Deb (Hillary and Whitney Jones), Timothy, Kristopher (Jennifer Stave, Laura Timm (daughter Emma), Megan Wheeler), Aurora Brown and son Andre (late Jennifer Price Brown); a large extended family; treasured life-long friends.

Honorary Pallbearers are past and present members of the Osakis Fire Department. Memorials preferred. Arrangements by Roy-Hetland Funeral Home, Osakis, Minnesota.