Wilfrid Laurier University is mourning the passing of John A. Pollock, a respected business leader, philanthropist and former chancellor of the university. Pollock died on Jan. 12, 2026, at the age of 89.
Pollock served as Laurier’s chancellor from 2008 to 2011, becoming the seventh individual to hold the role since the university became a public institution in 1973. Known for being a sharp business mind and having a deep commitment to community service, Pollock is remembered for the lasting impact he made on Laurier and the Kitchener-Waterloo region.
A third-generation leader of Kitchener-based Electrohome Ltd., Pollock followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Arthur Bell Pollock, who founded the company in 1907. Under family leadership, Electrohome evolved from manufacturing phonographs, radios and small electric motors into a global producer of televisions and high-resolution projection systems. The company later expanded into broadcasting, launching television and radio stations, including Kitchener’s CKCO-TV.
Pollock joined Electrohome in 1962 and was elected president in 1971. Over the course of his career, he served as chairman, president and chief executive officer, guiding the company through periods of growth and transformation before stepping away in 2009. Beyond Electrohome, Pollock contributed his expertise as a board member for numerous organizations, including Mechdyne Corp., Canadian General-Tower Ltd. and S.C. Johnson and Son Ltd.
Born and raised in Waterloo Region, Pollock earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering from the University of Toronto in 1959. After completing a five-month, around-the-world journey, he pursued graduate studies at Harvard University, earning a Master of Business Administration in 1962. In recognition of his professional and philanthropic contributions, Pollock received honorary Doctor of Laws degrees from Laurier in 2001 and the University of Waterloo in 2007.
During his tenure as chancellor, Pollock played an active role in university governance and campus life. In addition to presiding over convocation ceremonies, he served on Laurier’s Board of Governors and Senate, as well as the Senate Honorary Degree Committee. His involvement extended to the Lazaridis School of Business and Economics, where he served on the Dean’s Advisory Council, the Building Canada’s Best Business School Campaign Cabinet and the President’s Council of Advisors.
A generous supporter of the university, Pollock contributed to initiatives including the Making Space for Music campaign, the construction of Lazaridis Hall and the Schlegel Centre. In 2000, he and his family established the Pollock Family Fund at the Waterloo Region Community Foundation to support social, environmental, artistic, healthcare and educational causes.
Pollock is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce; his children Kim, Kristen, Nichola and Graham; seven grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
Wilfrid Laurier University extends its condolences to Pollock’s family, friends and colleagues. Support services are available to students, faculty and staff during this time of loss.
Contributed Photo/Laurier News Hub
