Robert “Bob” Pollock passed away peacefully in his family home at the age of 83. Bob lived a full and remarkable life — one filled with family, service to his country, adventure, fishing, travel, football, friendships and an incredible determination to enjoy life no matter what challenges came his way.
Bob was born and raised in Centralia, Washington. After graduating from Centralia High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1963. He served until 1967 during the Vietnam War era and completed four Western Pacific (WESTPAC) cruises. His years in the Navy remained an important part of who he was throughout his life. Bob was immensely proud of his military service and deeply patriotic.
After leaving the Navy, Bob returned home to Centralia, where he met Karen Wynn while both working at Bank Check Supply. They married on Dec. 31, 1967, and the following year welcomed their first son, Jeffrey Robert Pollock, on Nov. 26, 1968. Bob and Karen's second son, Jason George Clark Pollock, was born on Oct. 26, 1972, while the family resided in Hawaii. They eventually returned to Centralia and in 1976 built a home on property given to him by his parents, Clark and Dorris Pollock, where Bob would continue to reside for the next 50 years until his passing.
Bob built a successful career marketing park model RVs and helping incorporate them into the design and development of RV parks. Somehow, he even found a way to combine his career with one of the greatest loves of his life — fishing. For a time, Bob acted as a fishing guide in Northern Canada for RV dealers and recreational park owners.
Later in life, Bob and his second wife leased recreational property at an RV Resort on Mayfield Lake/Harmony, where they spent many of their summers. Bob not only assisted with the introduction of park model RVs into this resort, he also fostered many lasting friendships and became known as Harmony's resident fishing expert. If there were fish to be caught, Bob probably knew where they were.
Bob also remained an avid Seahawks ("12th Man") throughout the history of this NFL team, from the very beginning. He loved seeing the world, especially going on fishing trips to Mexico and international cruises with family. Bob had loved getting together with family and friends for campouts, card games and cookouts.
Bob faced medical struggles during the last three years of his life, but what stood out most was his courageous and inspiring determination to continue living the best life he could with a positive attitude. He didn't allow his circumstances to define him. His strength and resolve were an inspiration to us. But perhaps what I will remember most about Bob was simply the kind of person he was. He remained positive. He was always willing to help someone. He didn't hold grudges or spend his life seeking revenge against people who had wronged him. He looked forward instead of backward. He enjoyed people, adventures, a good fishing story, a Seahawks game, a cruise, a casino win and time spent with the people he loved.
Bob leaves behind two sons: Jeffrey Pollock (Anacortes) and Jason Pollock (Port Orchard); four grandchildren; and his current wife, Marilyn Anderson (Centralia).
He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
