Rusty Pollock — well known in Friday Harbor as director of Islands Convalescent Center and as a competitive racquetball player — died Nov. 7, 2008. His daughter wrote this tribute to him to mark the one-year anniversary of his passing.

By MEGAN POLLOCK

Nov. 7, 2009 will mark the one-year anniversary of the passing of my father, Rusty Pollock. Each day that passes becomes harder to comprehend that he is no longer here with us. It is hard not seeing him each day and give him big hugs when he walks through the door.

My father was not only an amazing dad and husband, but also an amazing person with a heart of gold. He loved life and loved living it to the fullest each day. He loved each moment he could get onto a racquetball court; it was one of his passions in life. He loved playing in tournaments all over the state and usually always won an award. I always loved going to the health club to watch him play and then he would always sneak out to give me a hug and a kiss. I loved watching him play and doing something that he was passionate about.

Family was the most important thing to my dad. He loved to spend every moment he could with us no matter what it was. We would go on walks through Lime Kiln State Park with our dog Max, go out to dinner, go to the movies and sit at home and laugh together. These small moments are the ones that I will treasure forever of my dad.

August 2008 was my parents’ 30th wedding anniversary. My dad loved my mom more than anything and it showed. They met during a blind date and after 30 years were more in love than ever. This is so rare to find these days and I remind my mom that their love will last a lifetime.

One of the more recent memories I have of my dad is of my parents’ 30th wedding anniversary. My parents were scheduled to go to Victoria, Canada, for the weekend to celebrate. I was going to stay home but my dad insisted I go to celebrate with them. I questioned him, like why would they want me to come for their anniversary, and he simply said, “Because you are a part of this family and you are what make up your mother and me.” That was such a touching moment for me to know that he wanted me their with them to celebrate. I am so grateful I went with them and for the memories we created.

My dad taught me to be everything I am today as a student, a person and as a daughter. He taught me to be strong, kind, generous and loving. He also taught me to never give up on my dreams and ambitions. He always told me I was his star and that I could do anything I put my mind too. I never forget that, especially this past year when times get hard and when I feel like giving up. It is those times when I feel my dad present and know that I cannot give up and have to be strong.

The memories I have with my father are something that I will treasure for my life. My favorite memories with my dad are our father-daughter dates, getting coffee, walking on the docks, and watching the Steelers play. I also loved our special talks at night and when he would edit my papers for school. These memories make me cry and smile to know that I was so lucky to have such an amazing father. He is truly one of a kind and the most amazing father and husband a daughter and wife could ask for. Each day is a struggle for my mom and me, but we have to remember to have hope and remember that he is always with us.

My father is my hero, to see his strength and courage through his life and in his final days. He fought a battle that no one should have to go through and I am so proud of him. He will always be with my mom and me, no matter where we are. When I look at his photos or think of him, I will smile and think how blessed I am to have him as my father.

Here is to an amazing father, husband and human being for having touched our lives and for all of his love. A day will never go by that you will not be thought of and loved by mom and me. We love you more than you will ever know. You are the most amazing father and husband. Thank you, dad, for just being you and for your love.

Love always and forever,

Your Daughter xoxo