Robert Francis Lloyd Polley (1921 - 2009)

Born 23 Aug 1921 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada

Ancestors

Husband of Mary Ellen (West) Polley — married 17 Apr 1944 in St. Louis, Missouri, United States

Died 24 Nov 2009 at age 88 in Medina, King, Washington, United States

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Biography

Robert was born in 1921. He was the son of Sydney Polley and Elizabeth Donnelly. He passed away in 2009.

Sources

• Family information.

Robert F.L. POLLEY, M.D. Robert F.L. Polley, M.D. passed away peacefully on November 24, 2009 in Seattle, Washington. Dr. Polley was born on August 23, 1921 in Moosejaw, Saskatchewan. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary Ellen (Nan) Polley for 61 years. Although rarely discussing his hockey exploits, Dr. Polley played for the Gonzaga University team that was recognized for winning the collegiate national hockey championship in 1940. Despite being drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL, he decided to forgo professional hockey and instead pursued his medical degree at St. Louis University. Following a tour of military service as a medical officer in World War II, he entered into private practice in pediatrics in Seattle. Dr. Polley was one of the bright, young and compassionate doctors who came to Seattle after World War II and helped develop Children's Hospital into a premier regional medical center. Dr. Polley was a member of the clinical faculty at the UW Medical School. He also authored a parent handbook, "Call The Doctor." Dr. Polley was a leader in his chosen field of pediatrics and a tireless advocate for his young patients. He took great pride in following his patients as they grew up and became young men and women with families of their own. Dr. Polley was very often the pediatrician of his second generation of patients and would say "the circle is complete." Blessed with a keen Irish wit, Dr. Polley frequently orchestrat ed events for his family and friends that pushed the definition of safe and sane, but left lasting memories and traditions still practiced today. When he took a rare day off, Dr. Polley enjoyed fishing trips to Westport with his children -- who recall driving all night, catching lots of salmon, and getting seasick - and he always "fished deep" for kings. His charm and exuberance were irrepressible and, during especially joyous moments, he would spontaneously leap into the air and click his heels. Dr. Polley is survived by: his children, James Polley, Kathleen Thayer, William Polley, and Jerome Polley; ten grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Nan Polley, and son, Robert F.L. Polley, Jr. A private family memorial service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Dr. Polley to Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center.

Seattle Times, Dec. 6-7, 2009 https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/seattletimes/obituary.aspx?n=robert-f-l-polley&pid=136932341