Olive Frances Vera Pollard (nee LeClerc), longtime resident of Fourth Creek, AB, passed away on March 11, 2021, at the age of 90 years, in her home in Rycroft.

Olive was an exceptionally hard-working woman who was dedicated to her family and had a smile and a hug for everyone she met.

Olive was born on August 11, 1930, at Baldonnel, BC. She was the eldest of eight children born to Dorothy and Arthur LeClerc. Olive’s independent spirit showed itself early. She set out on her own at just fifteen years of age and successfully supported herself in a variety of roles including waitress, cook’s helper, and nursing aide. A strong advocate for further education, Olive pursued training as a Licensed Practical Nurse and thereby embarked on a long and rich career for which she was highly respected. She worked at several hospitals over the years, most recently the Central Peace Health Complex until she was over 70 years old.

Olive married Bill Pollard of Westlock, AB, in August 1953. Together, Olive and Bill built a comfortable, loving home and farm from a homestead in Fourth Creek. Olive and Bill shared a strong work ethic along with a love of laughter and many activities, especially dancing.

Olive and Bill had four daughters: Gail (1954), Gwen (1958), Glenda (1964), and Gloria (1966). The family grew to six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Olive’s daughters and their families meant the world to her, and she would do anything for any of them. She took each of her daughters on a trip for their high school graduation and ensured they each pursued further education.

There are many things that Olive’s family will miss, one of the greatest is her strength. A petite woman, she dedicated herself to mastering anything she undertook. Olive was happiest when she was learning something new and continuously sought opportunities for learning and development. While working full-time at the Central Peace Health Complex, she completed further training as a paramedic. When she was in her late sixties, she completed a university course in geriatric psychology.

Olive’s strength was her family’s foundation. Her children and grandchildren looked to her when the family was rocked by grief, first from her son-in-law Andy’s passing, then Bill’s passing, and most recently her lovely granddaughter Jennifer’s passing.

Olive travelled extensively. She toured many European and Mediterranean countries as well as many parts of North and South America, Australia, and northern Africa.

Anyone who met Olive was touched by her easy and infectious laugh. Many were inspired by her love for nature. She could quickly identify most North American wild birds by sight or sound. She attracted an astounding number of species through dedicated feeding and by designing her yard for optimal habitat, this included setting up houses throughout the trees to offer them safe nesting opportunities. Olive devoted her life to protecting nature. While most of us now try to follow the Reduce, Re-use, and Recycle philosophy, Olive lived every day of her life this way.

Despite depriving herself of many comforts, Olive looked for any opportunity to practice extraordinary generosity to family, friends, and indeed anyone she met or heard about, who may be in need.

Olive’s warm heart and cheerful laugh will live on in the hearts of her daughters: Gail (Richard) Hollingshead of Manning, AB, Gwen (Glen) Detjen of Beaver County, AB, Glenda (Gary) Stark of St. Paul, AB, and Gloria Pasmeny of Lethbridge, AB; grandchildren: Shane (Meagan) Milkovich, Crystal (Brad) Kosowan, Leland (Sandy) Spence, Travis Old, Alicia (Ryan) Stark, and Shelby (Kyle) Stark; great-grandchildren: Rhett Milkovich, Dane and Zoe Kosowan, William, Bailey (Clintin) and Reata and Jaci Spence, and Kylie Old.

Olive was predeceased by her husband William Pollard, parents Arthur and Dorothy LeClerc, brother Albert, sisters Faye Nichols, and Ethel Payette, son-in-law Andrew Spence, and granddaughter Jennifer Spence.

A celebration of Olive’s life will be held on Friday, March 19, 2021, at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie, following cremation. The service will be officiated by Celebrant Rod Masterson.

A live stream will be available 10 minutes before the service time on Olive's obituary page on Oliver’s website.

In memory of Olive, memorial donations may be made to the BC SPCA South Peace Community Animal Shelter (11418-3 Street, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 4L5).