Obituary of Hans Henri Jacob Pols

July 11, 1947 – Voorburg, Netherlands

January 25, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Hans, a fun-loving father and grandfather, at the age of 76.

Born in Voorburg, Netherlands, Hans embraced life’s joys with enthusiasm and faced its unforeseen challenges with courage.  At the age of seven, the Pols family immigrated to Toronto, Canada.  Here, Hans’ love of classical music began, guided by his father’s talents during family nights around the piano.  As a dedicated Queen’s Scout and camp counsellor, two of his life-long passions were born - spending time in the outdoors and helping those around him. 

While attending Lawrence Park Collegiate, he met Mary, a close friend of his sister, Ineke. Their relationship became official after spending memorable teenage moments together at camp. Throughout their early years, Hans and Mary cherished time spent with friends and family, enjoying activities such as Sunday night card games at Oma and Opa's place, squash, camping, and canoeing.

When not on the court or on the water, Hans dedicated his time to completing an economics degree at Ryerson College. Following the arrival of their first son, Simon, they moved to Ottawa, marking the start of Hans' career with the National Energy Board. Three years later, David was born. Eventually, they built their own oasis off the beaten path on Lac St. Germain, Quebec. Here, they created lasting family memories and welcomed countless friends and family to join them in regattas on the lake and card games in the cottage.

In 1991, the family moved to Calgary, Alberta. It was here that Hans fell in love with the prairies and the mountains. He took pleasure in biking and running in Fish Creek Park, hiking in Banff and Lake Louise, and savouring the scenic beauty of Kananaskis Country.

Despite the distance, the warm lakes and calm rivers of Ontario continued to beckon. Hans often joined his younger brother, Kees, on canoe trips in Algonquin Park and Temagami, creating cherished memories with days on the water, ending with evenings filled with tall tales, Yukon Jack, and Old Port cigarillos.

In retirement, Hans volunteered his time in numerous elementary classrooms helping students to read. This inspired him to work with the YMCA where he helped newcomers to Canada adjust to a new life in a foreign country. He took great pride in this work and would often spend hours researching, planning lessons, and sharing stories about his students.  

Hans loved to spend time with Dave and Simon and his daughters-in-law, Erin and Stacey. As his family grew, Hans was blessed with three grandchildren, Arie, Noelle, and Elliot - of which he was totally enamored.  He was an incredible, caring Opa, spending countless hours with them on the hiking trail, teaching them piano, sharing stories at Brewsters and playing “Cheerio hockey”. 

Over the past few years, Hans faced Lewy body dementia with unwavering courage and determination. Our family would like to express our sincere gratitude to those who provided Hans with such incredible care over the past few months in the Bayview Community at AgeCare Glenmore. Your kindness and support will not be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, our family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta www.alzheimer.ab.ca. The family extends heartfelt gratitude for any contributions made in honor of Hans.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Hans’ family here.

In living memory of Hans Pols, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area.