When I recently retired after 40-plus years, I thought back on the people who had a significant influence on me.  There weren't many, but Wally was one of them.  Unfortunately my timing was too late to reconnect with him  I only learned of his passing a short while ago.  I first met Wally in the winter of 1970-71 when he provided a letter offering me steady employment at Empire Sheet Metal.  This was the key that secured my acceptance as a landed immigrant in Canada.  Taking the extra effort to provide this letter was typical of Wally's true generosity and willingness to help everyone.  I took the job at Empire working primarily as the band saw operator, but helped in various areas including a short stretch in the summer making toilet seats (another of Wally's business ventures).  In 1973, Wally teamed up with a local artist and spun off Gabbrielli Designs in Metal, with me as the first hourly employee.  Empire and Gabbrielli split up about a year later and I lost touch with Wally after I moved to Ontario in 1974, but his vivid memory stayed with me.

Even though I was just the band saw operator, Wally came by to chat with me every day and share an interest or amusing story.  Like the time he went to lunch at Polo Park and had an argument with the parking attendant which ended up with Wally throwing his hot dog at the attendant's car where it promptly froze to the side of the door.  He was always curious about people and business, and undaunted by the status quo.  He invited my wife and me for dinner and cooked hamburgers outside on the barbecue in the winter!  Also, he served us the strongest gin & tonics we had ever tasted.  Even to this day we refer to a strong drink as a Wally Pollock.  Other fond memories include Wally, Zeb (the French Canadian foreman), and me going to the buffet at the local curling club.  Both the food and the entertainment (but not the curling) were memorable.

I am very sorry to hear he is gone now, but suspect that everyone who knew him thought of him as one of a kind. My deepest sympathy to his family  he will be missed by many.

Dear Fran and family,
When I think back to the early 70's when I worked at Empire for 2 summers, I envision the office working environment and Wally's place in it.
He was the quiet, thoughtful and soft-spoken member of the team whose gentle manner was beloved by all.
He was hard-working, conscientious and very competent at any task he undertook.  He was, in short, the consummate gentleman and a wonderful person to know.
May his memory be a blessing.  My sympathies to you on his passing.

I was so sorry to hear of Walter's passing, and have so many warm memories of our time working together at Empire. He was so very well liked by customers, co-workers and friends and always took the time to help anyone in need. I remember his complete dedication to making our company both an excellent one and a place where customer's needs were served with warmth and professionalism. Walter and I had many stimulating conversations over the years and I valued his friendship. My late father Mel once told me (about Walter): "They don't come finer."
Deepest sympathy to you Fran and your family.
Jim Manishen

OBITUARY

Thomas Walter Pollock

May 5, 1941 – July 20, 2015

Thomson In The Park Funeral Home and Cemetery

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