Bench Dedication in Montana

On Saturday August 19, 2006 a small gathering of family and friends dedicated a granite bench to the memory of Jeff Pollard at the Mallard's Rest put-in, along the Yellowstone River just south of Livingston, Montana. It would be an understatement to say Jeff loved flyfishing. This put-in, within sight of Jeff's property, was one of his favorites, and is used by hundreds of fisherman and boaters as a place to launch their boats. It's fitting that we place this bench at Mallard's Rest. Last year we sprinkled some of Jeff's ashes - along with some of my dad's - a mile from the view of this bench, at one of Jeff's best fishing spots.

DEDICATED IN MEMORY OF JEFFREY D. POLLARD
Sept. 15, 1954 - Feb. 15, 2005

HE LOVED THE YELLOWSTONE
ITS PEACE
ITS SIMPLE BEAUTY

"I HAVE FAR TO GO BUT I HAVE STOPPED FOR NOW TO RECONSIDER MY DIRECTION" JDP



None of this would have been possible without the cooperation and kindness of Montana Fisheries, Wildlife and Parks, notably the tireless assistance of Tom Greason, the Maintenance & Fishing Access Manager of MTFWP. Additionally, using generous contributions of friends and family to the Jeff Pollard Memorial Fund, we were able to contribute $2,500 to the betterment of Mallard's Rest with the purchase of ten new picnic tables.

Attending the dedication was Tom Greason, Maryanne Vollers, Jenn Williams, Sal Pollard, myself and my son Will Pollard, and Carrie and Eliza Donoghue. We ate a wonderful lunch afterward, using one of 'Jeff's' new picnic tables. Will sampled the chill of the Yellowstone waters, and we wondered if maybe Jeff might be taking in the scene with us in spirit, as it was a perfect bluebird day to be flyfishing.






View of Mallard's Rest









The next day four of us rented tubes and floated down a mile or two section of the river above Mallard's Rest. We stopped right at the site of Jeff's bench. Walking up the embankment it was heartstopping to witness an unknowing fisherman stop to read the inscription on Jeff's bench, then to see him sit and contemplatively take in the awesome view around him. It seemed like the bench was already fulfilling our intentions.






Sal takes in the view.









The Jeff Pollard Memorial Fund is just getting started. We hope next year to continue doing work in Jeff's name, particularly those programs that will have a lasting impact. Along with continuing our support of the MTFWP, we're looking into developing a program aimed at getting at-risk kids into the outdoors, by bringing them out onto the river for flyfishing and adventure excursions. Most of us understand the importance of getting in touch with nature. We'd like to bring that experience to some young people who haven't had these opportunities. Most likely our program would take place in Montana. This dream will take dedication, resources and time. Some of my fly-fishing, river-guiding friends will soon have an opportunity to take part! But, most importantly, we hope to raise the necessary funds to make it happen. If you'd like to be a part of this please give again to the Jeff Pollard Memorial Fund.





Will and Sal













Sal, Eliza, Carrie and Jenn









From Sal, Carrie and myself, thank you to all who have donated so generously to keeping the memory of Jeff Pollard alive. Without your love and support none of this would have been possible. We feel that Jeff, wherever he may be, is looking over us and nodding his approval. Thank you again, and please don't hesitate to contact me at any time.

With kindest regards,
Thom Pollard