Rob Pollett
I learned early on Sunday morning that my cousin, Rob Pollett, had suddenly passed away on Saturday, October 8, 2011. Rob was just a couple of years older than me, so to hear that he had passed was a shock to say the least. Rob leaves behind his wife, Nancy, daughters Katie and Alicia, and son Nicholas.
I have many fond memories of Rob, not the least of which was when he and another cousin, Corey Pollett, introduced me to my first horror film, Poltergeist, sometime during my pre-teen years. Suffice it to say, I was scarred (smile). Yet, Rob never meant any harm by it. It was all in good fun. In fact, knowing he was there reassured me that everything was going to be just fine. And besides, that’s what boys do.
I also remembered that Rob and Nancy produced a CD in 2005 entitled Testify – A Special Collection of Our Favorites, when they were Salvation Army officers at Markham Community Church. I pulled out the album today and noticed that Rob sang the second song, I Can Only Imagine, made popular by the group Mercy Me. As a tribute to Rob, I wanted to share that recording with you.
I Can Only Imagine by Rob Pollett (2005) — Audio File
Rob, you will be dearly missed. Your smile, infectious laughter and kind posture will never be forgotten.
You no longer only ‘need to imagine.’
Until we meet again…
The Prayer by Rob & Nancy Pollett (2005) — Audio File
“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known” ~ 1 Corinthians 13:12
October 13, 2011 at 6:30 pm
Beautiful! If We Could Only Imagine What His Eyes Are Beholding Now! My Heart Goes Out To Nancy And The Children. Take Comfort In The Wonderful Hope We Have In Jesus!!!<3
October 14, 2011 at 6:12 am
Thanks, Paula. Continued blessings.
October 14, 2011 at 9:19 am
great to see such homage paid to such a wonderful person
October 14, 2011 at 9:28 am
Thanks, Kenny. 500 visits to this post so far, and counting, is a testament to Rob’s positive impact.
October 14, 2011 at 12:12 pm
Thank you for that. My husband and I trained for a year with Nancy and Rob. He was a great guy. My heart aches for the family yet I know that one day we can be reunited. The song was beautiful. I never knew they produced an album. Blessings to you and your family.
October 14, 2011 at 12:23 pm
Thank-you. Blessings…
October 14, 2011 at 2:39 pm
Dear Nancy and children my heart is with you.love you very much..my thoughts and prayers Are with you all..I’ll be here any time you need anything.love Juanita
October 14, 2011 at 3:55 pm
What a beautiful song. We are shocked to hear this news. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Pollett family from the Harterys and many others from Buchans, Newfoundland.
Rest in Peace….God needed you for something special I am sure.
October 15, 2011 at 10:52 am
Wow, what a beautiful voice and so sad… but now he’s singing praises with the angels. My husband and I met Rob & Nancy years ago when they were stationed in Northern Ontario. What a nice couple and so hospitable. We reconnected on Facebook years later. He will be missed from this world and no glib sayings about him being in a better place will do much to assuage the grief his wife and children feel. My prayers go out to the entire family, but especially the children, who will not have their father with them as they grow, get married and have families of their own. A reminder to never take those we love for granted. Thanks for sharing.
October 15, 2011 at 7:02 pm
Great job Rob. Now you can not only imagine, but enjoy what we are all striving for. God bless Nancy and the family.
October 15, 2011 at 9:09 pm
Thank you for sharing these songs, even though I attended the funeral and heard their complete CD for the first time and a wonderful tribute to Rob’s life. Rob and Nancy are wonderful friendly people and Rob will be greatly missed by so many people. We need to uphold Nancy and their children in prayer as they face the days ahead.
October 16, 2011 at 9:19 am
Just a quick note — there have been over 1,400 visits to this posting since its publication on Oct. 12. I think this is a testament to Rob’s life and legacy. Thanks for taking the time to drop by, leave a message and distribute the link via Facebook.
October 16, 2011 at 3:18 pm
My memories of Rob are as a child at Buchans. Playing with his sister Exie and Rob following us around. Much time has passed and lots has changed since then. I have not seen many of the family since. Just Weldon and Alice a few times and Exie once. I am not surprised that Rob would grow up to be a great singer, a great family man and a respected Christian. These abilities and characteristics were seen in his parents (as I recall). So glad Rob caught the vision of a hope for himself and is now experiencing the rewards of a life lived for Christ. Thoughts and prayers go out to Nancy and the children. Also thinking today of Rob’s siblings and parents. May God comfort your hearts, bless you with every good memory of him and give you a hope of seeing Rob again in our heavenly home some day.
Lisa Hale (nee Wall)
November 2, 2011 at 2:39 am
Thank you for writing this article about Rob.
My husband and I first met Rob and Nancy early in July of this year when Rob was considering taking on the position of the new camp director for Camp Chestermere. We hosted them and became instant friends.
Rob told us about the CD and promised to bring a copy when he returned later that summer. He said it was made up of a collection of their favorite songs and that the CD was titled “Testify” and I was instantly thrilled, because that particular song was a favorite of mine. too! (Nancy did such a nice job of it). So, then I asked Rob if he happened to know “End of the Beginning” by David Phelps and he happily exclaimed that he sings that song on the CD. You can’t imagine how happy we both were to discover that we were kindred spirits in this!
So then imagine my surprise AND disappointment when I found out that Rob also sang “I Can Only Imagine”, which, in my opinion had been overplayed on the radio when it was first release. I was so sick of that song!
At the end of August, Rob brought us the CD. I happily listened to the whole thing and loved every single song – even “I Can Only Imagine”! ( I think it makes a difference when you know the person who is singing.) And Rob had such a great voice that he really did change my attitude about the song.
But, God wasn’t finished with me yet. He wanted me to LOVE that song, so that I would remember that we should always have our eyes fixed on Him – the prize – Heaven – the final, ultimate and perfect destination. I was still wanting to be tied to my earthly home. “Heaven can wait” was my attitude.
Then, Rob died. The song came to my mind almost immediately and I thought the same as many of you – “now he no longer has to imagine”.
I’m so glad this was one of Rob’s favorites. It was the perfect song for his memorial and the perfect reflection of what Rob’s focus was in life. I want to honor that legacy and change my focus and try to imagine what it will be like when I’m face to face with God. What will my heart feel? Will I dance for Jesus, or in awe of Him, be still?…
Thank you God, for using music and song to redirect my heart’s desire.
October 10, 2012 at 11:20 pm
Hey Jeff, I remember Poltergeist as well. I was there that night also. The best part was when the little boy was looking under his bed for his toy clown. Rob, having seen the movie before, knew exactly where the scary parts were, yelled, causing all of us to jump, where by Corey ended up flying off your bed and landing in the hallway. Fun times. God Bless you Rob.