George Polden

Thank you for the work that has gone in to creating a compassionate memorial to those who lived and died in institutions.

I am the great great granddaughter of George Polden, who is buried at Woodlands along with his wife, Jessie, who died as Essondale 10 years prior to him.

Their existence was kept a secret. My grandfather didn't speak of our family history and took anything he knew to his grave. George and Jessie were his grandparents, but he would never know them. They died at Essondale before he was born. My heart aches for them and somehow feels like a piece that's been missing has finally been found. I'm sorry it took us so long, George. And I'm so thankful I now know where to visit you.

Frederick George Polden (George) was a pioneer who immigrated to Canada at the young age of 20 with his wife and infant daughter, Rose. They arrived in Quebec City and moved west, having three sons along the way. Their youngest son, Charles Arthur Polden (Charlie), is my great grandfather.

George enlisted in the Canadian Over-Seas Expeditionary Force as part of the 1st Canadian Pioneer Battalion. He was a carpenter. The unit fug and built the trenches on the front lines of WWI. It isn't known if Jessie was admitted to Essondale before he returned home, and if so, what happened to their four children. Charles was 5 or 6 when his father went to war. He was 10 when his mother died. George died ten years later, also at Essondale.

Charles had one biological son, Arthur Charles Polden (Art), my grandfather. His children are Dean Arthur Polden and Lisa. Dean had two children, Brianna (myself) and Jarrett Charles Polden.

Rest in peace, George. May your memory never again be forgotten.