Panguich!

Jeffrey D. Pollard: he loved to laugh, being outdoors and fly-fishing. He broke a million hearts the day he died. Jeff, your spirit will live on in our hearts and souls forever.

"Panguich" means "big fish" in a western Native American tongue. That's what it reads in big letters on the side of Jeff's camper. Jeff had a gift for pulling in big fish, finding the right pools and dropping a fly on the exact spot necessary to coax the fussiest trout out of its hiding place.

Not far away from Jeff's favorite fishing haunts on the Yellowstone River you could often find his Tundra, tricked out with his camper "Panguich". And, had you been fortunate enough to stumble upon him, he'd be at the ready with a warm hug, a pot of hot coffee, good times and tall tales. For him, there was nothing like being with friends out in nature's wonder...

Jeff's family has set up the Jeff Pollard Memorial Fund to help preserve the memory of this immensely talented and passionate person who graced our lives. Dozens of friends, cohorts and family have lovingly donated to this living fund, in order that we can carry on Jeff's legacy. The JPMF has made an arrangment with Montana Fisheries, Wildlife and Parks to donate funds each year for the betterment of his favorite Yellowstone River put-in, Mallard's Rest, just south of Livingston, Montana. This year we plan to have several picnic tables replaced. Sometime during the summer of 2006 we'll have a dedication ceremony, and unveil a granite bench with a plaque.

I recently wrote a poem about (to) Jeff on the first anniversary of his death, posting it the same day. I logged on recently to delete it, and thought instead that first I'd include a poem of Jeff's. He was a true poet, a dreamer, a romantic.

LOVE POEM:
My greatest fear
Is not loss
Not loneliness
Reckless promises
Postponed plans
Spilled hope
Or a broken heart

My greatest fear
Is complete safety
Feeling under control
Everything in order
Graced with understanding
Slow, loyal, dependable
Perfectly straight rows
Of my rhythmical habits

I want there to be bears
In the woods where I walk
The night to be dark
Starless and cold

I want known pathways
To disappear like
The final smallness of hope
I want the bears to be real

I have far to go but
I have stopped for now
To reconsider my direction

-Jeff Pollard/2004



Please share your greetings, thoughts or pictures of Jeff on the Comments button below this post. It would be so nice to hear from you!

Thanks for visiting. Panguich!
- Thom Pollard

JDP, September 15, 1954- February 14, 2005.