Michael T. Pollard

On Sunday May 15th, Michael Thomas Pollard 58, passed away with family at his side.

A visitation will be held Friday, May 20th from 10 am until 12 pm at the Winterrowd Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held immediately following, officiated by close friend, Andy Urbanec. Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery. 

Serving as pallbearers will be Jacob Hirschman, Jonas Hirschman, Wade Pollard, Florian Centko, Fred Centko, Glenn Svoboda, Gary Reeland, and Dave Woolford.

Mike was born on February 17, 1964 in Oshawa, Ontario CA. He attended school in Oshawa and enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout his youth, which led to a lifetime love of the outdoors. He often reminisced of his annual moose hunts up North with friends and family.  

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 20 years, Cynthia (Centko) Pollard of Streator, their two sons, Jacob and Jonas Hirschman, and grandson, Wyatt Hirschman (whom Grandpa Mike adored). He will be deeply missed by his mother Josie Pollard (with whom he shared a remarkable bond), his father Randy Pollard, his brothers Lorne Pollard and Wade (Valorie) Pollard, and Ryan (Melissa) Pollard; all of Ontario, Canada. Mike is also survived by father-in-law Florian “Ous” Centko, (Monica Wilkinson), Connie (Glenn) Svoboda, and Fred (Becky) Centko. He is preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Martha Centko, Kathy Reihl, beloved niece Kristy Svoboda, and both Pace and Pollard grandparents. He leaves behind nieces Ashley Svoboda, Rose Centko and Jazlyn Pollard, and nephews Derek and Alek Reed, Andy Svoboda, Anthony Centko, and Justin, Brayden, Luke, Nate, and Hayden Pollard.

Mike was a source of direction and motivation to those that knew him. He was admired for his integrity, and he will be remembered for his dedication to helping others achieve their full potential, his love for his family, and his wonderfully dry sense of humor. Mike loved an adventure and considered the 2017 total eclipse of the sun near the line of totality the most remarkable. He treasured the time exploring Southwest Colorado with his wife and sons. Mike’s fondest memories included backyard stargazing, time spent with closest friends, holiday gatherings, family visits, and especially 4th of July celebrations. Mike appreciated the hospitality given to him and paid it forward to others. His faith during difficult times was comforting to those that knew him.

One of Mike’s proudest moments was when he obtained his American citizenship on July 12, 2016. In his mid-40s, Mike started college at IVCC and graduated with an Associate degree in Applied Science. Four years later, he received a Bachelor degree of Applied Science in Organizational Leadership from Lincoln College, earning high honors in both. Mike felt very fortunate to be given great opportunities that complimented his education at Vactor Manufacturing and more recently as the Operations Manager at US Truck Body. Mike’s work ethic was inspirational to many, and he always led by example.

On the night of the 2022 full lunar eclipse we said goodbye.