Dr. William “Bill” Pollard

June 10, 1950 – August 15, 2026

Dr. William “Bill” Pollard, 76, formerly of New York Mills, passed away on Saturday, August 15, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born June 10, 1950, to Kenneth “Ken” and Mildred “Millie” Pollard, Bill grew up in New York Mills, where he attended New York Mills Public School and developed friendships that would endure throughout his lifetime.

During the Vietnam War era, Bill served in the United States Navy as a Cryptologic Technician. He was stationed at Naval Station Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, where he served alongside his brother, Steven.

A lifelong learner with a passion for education, Bill attended St. Cloud State University and studied at Balls Park College of Education in Hertford, England. His commitment to learning never diminished, and in 2018, he earned his Ph.D. in Library Science from the University of North Texas—a remarkable achievement that reflected his intellectual curiosity and dedication to education.

Bill devoted much of his professional life to education, serving as District Coordinator of Library and Media Services at the St. Croix Curriculum Center in the U.S. Virgin Islands until his retirement in 2019. His career reflected his belief in the importance of learning, curiosity, and sharing knowledge with others.

The U.S. Virgin Islands held a special place in Bill’s heart. Beyond his professional life there, he developed friendships that he treasured deeply. The people he met and the connections he made became an enduring part of his life, and his affection for his island friends remained strong throughout the years.

Bill had a generous heart and a special affection for the underdog. He had an instinct for recognizing when someone needed a friend and a way of making people feel seen, welcomed, and valued. He believed in people, especially those who might otherwise be overlooked, and was often the first to extend a hand of friendship.

Gift-giving was one of Bill’s favorite ways to express his love. He delighted in finding something special for someone, whether for a celebration or simply because they were on his mind. His gifts were expressions of thoughtfulness, generosity, and his desire to bring joy to others.

Throughout his life, Bill embraced opportunities to travel, explore and experience the world around him. Whether visiting museums, attending Broadway performances, exploring historic landmarks, or enjoying a memorable train journey, he appreciated the adventures life had to offer. An avid baseball enthusiast with an impressive knowledge of the game’s history and statistics, Bill especially enjoyed attending Minnesota Twins and New York Yankees games. He introduced his eldest daughter to baseball by taking her to her very first game, beginning a tradition of shared memories that continued throughout their lives.

Bill valued friendship and community. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), the American Legion, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Knights of Columbus, and Theta Chi Fraternity. His friendships spanned generations and geography, from his childhood in New York Mills to his years in Minnesota and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Above all, Bill was a father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His family will treasure the time spent together, the adventures they shared, and the memories created along the way.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth “Ken” and Mildred “Millie” Pollard, and his brother, Steven Pollard.

He is survived by his three daughters: Anne Brooks and her husband, David, of Nashville, Tenn.; Rebecca Yant and her husband, Jeff, and their son, Henry, of Minneapolis, Minn.; and Rachel Pollard of Eagan, Minn.; along with extended family and cherished friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on August 26, 2026, at St. Odilia Catholic Church in Shoreview, Minn. Family and friends gathered again on September 3, 2026, at The Dubliner Pub in St. Paul to celebrate Bill’s life, share stories, and remember the many ways he touched their lives.

Memorial contributions may be made to Friends of the Fair.

Bill had a gift for recognizing when someone needed a friend, and an even greater gift for becoming one.