Gary Pollard

GRAY – Gary Pollard, 77, unexpectedly passed away on Jan. 3, 2026, at Clover Health Care.

Born on Aug. 6, 1948, Gary was the son of James and Merilyn (Cole) Pollard. He grew up in Gray and graduated from Gray/New Gloucester High School in 1967. Following graduation, he attended Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute, where he earned a degree in culinary arts.

Gary proudly served his country in the United States Navy. After completing boot camp, he was stationed for two years at the Naval Air Base in Albany, Ga. His time there brought him friendships, opportunities, and – thanks to his talent on the course – many invitations to play in pro‑am golf events with senior officers.

Upon returning to Maine, Gary resumed the work he had begun as a young boy at the family restaurant, Cole Farms. Over the years he held many roles, eventually managing much of the food preparation operation. His dedication, and steady presence helped contribute to the restaurant’s success. Gary worked at Cole Farms until 2019, ultimately becoming a co‑owner with his brothers.

Golf was one of Gary’s greatest passions. He often expressed gratitude to his father for introducing him to the game. A longtime member of Fairlawn Country Club, he played for many years in the men’s twilight league, earning numerous individual and team trophies. Gary was a skilled and consistent golfer, straight down the middle with his drives, precise with his irons, and, as he would proudly tell you, especially gifted on the greens. His Monday Night Scramble teammates would wholeheartedly agree, as many victories were sealed by his putts.

Gary also loved traveling for golf. He wintered many years, some with his mother, in Ellenton, Fla. He enjoyed many trips to the Myrtle Beach area, but one especially memorable adventure was a golf trip to Spain with friends. During that trip, he eagled one of the holes – a moment that earned him the nickname “The Spanish Eagle,” a title he carried with pride and a smile.

In the late 1990s, Gary’s love for the game reached new heights when he and his brothers transformed the family dairy farm into Spring Meadows Golf Course, an 18‑hole championship layout. For Gary, this was a dream realized. He loved teaching the game, giving lessons, and serving for many years as part of the high school golf team’s coaching staff.

Even as Parkinson’s disease and glaucoma made the game more challenging in recent years, Gary’s determination never wavered. With the help of a caddie – often his sister‑in‑law, Carol – he continued to play in the men’s league. She guided him to his ball, helped him steady himself, and watched him send it, once again, straight down the middle.

Music was another of Gary’s lifelong joys. In high school he performed in musicals, operettas, and various music programs. As a longtime member of the Gray Congregational Church, he sang in the choir and shared his voice generously with others.

Gary also cherished time spent with family. He loved playing cribbage at gatherings, where friendly competition and laughter were always part of the game. Summers at the family camp were especially meaningful to him. He enjoyed water skiing – particularly slalom skiing – along with boating.

Gary was known for his kind heart and gentle spirit. He cared deeply for people and often asked for prayers at church for those facing hardship. He loved being out in the community, where he easily made friends and was recognized by many. He looked forward to his weekly visits to Shop ’n Save, where employees knew him by name and greeted him warmly. He was a familiar face at Subway – where the staff knew his order by heart – and “wing night” at Jess ’n Nics was a weekly highlight he rarely missed.

Gary will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, James and Merilyn Pollard.

He is survived by his brothers David and his wife Carol, Brad and his wife Peggy, and Jeffrey Pollard. He also leaves behind five nieces and nephews, Scott Pollard and wife Laura, Valerie Dominski and husband Todd, Darcie Watkinson and husband Lee, Brandon Pollard and wife Lea, and Erin Pollard and husband Jason – along with their families, making 15 grandnieces and nephews, all of whom he cherished.

“Gary’s legacy lives on in every green he putted, every song he sang, and every life he touched.”

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held in early spring.

Donations can be made in Gary’s name to the

GNG High School Golf Team

Care of GNG Athletics,

10 Libby Hill Rd.,

Gray, ME 04039

or the

First Congregational Church of Gray,

P.O. Box 155

Gray, ME 04039

Gary Pollard