MADISON - Douglas Robert, “Doug” “Bear” Pollard, age 59, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, while at his beloved cabin. He was born on Dec. 1, 1963, at Methodist Hospital, in Madison, Wis., to Donald and Anita (Kranz) Pollard. Doug attended Glendale Elementary, Sennett Middle School and LaFollette High School, where he graduated in 1982. He graduated from Madison Area Technical College in 1987. He later received his bachelor’s degree from Cardinal Stritch College in 1996.

Doug had many jobs over the years where he met a great number of friends. He loved being a part of the Huston as well as Koch Midget team for many years. Doug truly enjoyed working Badgers football pre-games or “tailgating” at the Stadium Bar, Big Ten Pub, Oak Crest, and the Red Zone. Doug’s current part-time job, if you could call it a job, was working security for Endres & Endl Security at many area festivals, museums, bars and bowling alleys. He was especially entertained when working at Screamin’ Acres during Halloween. Doug worked at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health as the building manager, as well as at HSLC and Centennial buildings.

Bear is remembered for his love of his family, friends, dogs; Zeus, Ziva and Zuko, and even Percy, the cat. He loved John Wayne, old war films, reading Robert Ludlum books, chocolate chip cookies, steak and eggs, and diet coke. But he mostly loved his family and the cabin he went to almost every weekend. He never went to relax in the traditional manner, he went to work on remodeling the cabin for retirement or working on a lawn mower or snowblower. When he was home with his family, he was passionate about watching the Packers, Badgers, Brewers and NASCAR. Bear’s heart was filled when he could spend time with his family and grandbabies who called him, “Grandpa Bear.”

Bear was always looking to help others without wanting or expecting anything in return; and was a hard worker in whatever he set his mind to do. Bear always knew someone wherever he went. If by chance he didn’t, you can bet he did by the time he left, and it was for life.

Bear is survived by his son, Taylor Sanford, who is currently serving in the U. S. Air Force in South Korea and Taylor’s mother, Lisa Sanford Schmid (Ray). Dad was extremely proud of you Taylor, and he frequently called you, “My Hero.” Bear is further survived by his partner in life, Kathleen “Kathy” Wopat; siblings, Jeff Pollard, DVM of San Diego, Calif., Lori Pollard of Green Bay, Wis., and Mark Pollard of Van Dyne, Wis.; nephew, Jake Pollard; Kathy’s children, Ryan Bingham (Lisa), Lindsay Bingham (Iman), Lauren Dillman and Jameson Dillman; his four grandchildren, Louella, Illiana, Alex and Leah. Bear is also survived by his Special Best Friend, who he named “Half-Pint”, Lisa Deegan (Mike); beloved dogs, Zeus, Ziva, and Zuko; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Doug was preceded in death by his father, Donald, mother, Anita; infant brother, Richard; and his special dogs, Bailey, Bear, Zane and Xena.

A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. A luncheon will follow after the service at MCFARLAND AMERICAN LEGION POST 534, 4911 Burma Road, McFarland, on Saturday.

In Bear’s honor, please dress casual, wearing Badgers, Packers, Brewers or NASCAR clothing.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Grandpa Bear's Grandchildren's Fund, C/O Summit Credit Union, to establish education funds for Grandpa Bear’s grandchildren. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Douglas Robert Pollard

December 01, 1963 - January 26, 2023

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