DONALD, Dr. John (Iain) Pollock
March 31, 1934 – November 25, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Iain on November 25, 2020, at the age of 86. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Margaret and his children: Alasdair (Margaret), Douglas (Susan), Graeme (Hifumi), and Gillian; and his grandsons Brayden and Brendon. Iain leaves behind extended family in the UK: Gerald (Moyna) and Avril (Hassan) and many friends in Hanna, Calgary, Cochrane, Banff, and ‘across the pond.’
Iain was born in Glasgow, Scotland, to John and Jessie Donald. He was the younger brother to sister Jean, predeceased 2004. Iain attended Allen Glens High School for Boys and was a graduate of the class of ’52. After graduating, he went on to the University of Glasgow School of Medicine. Iain met Margaret, a first-year nursing student, at the University of Glasgow Charities Dance in 1954, and they married on November 28, 1960. Following Med School graduation in 1960, Iain interned at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Alasdair was born in 1962 and the young family emigrated to Canada, arriving in Hanna, Alberta in September 1963.
Iain practiced medicine in Hanna for 25 years. He was the family doctor to many, the obstetrician, the anesthesiologist, and the Chief of Medical Staff at the Hanna General Hospital. Iain was an active member of the community, participating in the Hanna Kinsmen, Hanna Players, Hanna Golf & Country Club, and the Chamber of Commerce. Through it all the good Doctor was there for his community and his family. Iain and Margaret raised three sons and a daughter in Hanna.
Iain and Margaret left Hanna for the city of Calgary in the fall of 1988. Iain continued practicing medicine at the Edgemont and Nose Hill Medical Clinics. He kept active as a member of the Edgemont Fitness Club and the Country Hills Golf Club. He also made time to volunteer as a member of the White Hat Volunteer Program at Calgary International Airport.
A good day for Iain was a round of golf with family or friends, a backyard BBQ with cocktails and conversation, followed by a typically late evening dinner. His love of fun, family and friends, and his generosity, kindness and grace are Iain’s legacy and will live on in the hearts and spirit of many. He will be greatly missed.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Bill Hanlon and Dr. Robbie McLaughlin and staff at Cochrane Primary Care Centre, and to Dr. Michael Slawnych and staff at the Cardiac Function Clinic in Calgary. A special thanks to the team at Foothills Hospital Unit 82. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Cardiac Function Clinic at the Foothills through the memorial page at the Calgary Health Foundation (http://secure.calgaryhealthtrust.ca/JohnDonald) or to Basic Health International Foundation (www.basichealthinternational.org).