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Brian Caldwell Pohanka

Brian Pohanka Obituary

POHANKA, BRIAN CALDWELL, Age 50

Of Alexandria, on June 15, 2005. Beloved husband of Marylynne (Cricket) Bauer Pohanka; also survived by his parents John and the late Jean Pohanka; brother of Geoffrey Pohanka of Vienna, VA, and Susan Pohanka of Bryn Mawr, PA. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2005 at Stuarts Hill Center, Manassas Battlefield at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Civil War Preservation Trust, 1331 H St. N.W., suite 1001, Washington, DC 20005.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post from Jun. 21 to Jun. 23, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Brian Pohanka

43 Entries

Edward Werner

January 4, 2023

Dear Pohanka family,
I´m so grateful for Brian´s knack for seeing and reporting the details in his storytelling, which often feels as though he´s a war correspondent at the scene. A gifted historian, I look for his work.
Best,
Ed

john sharkey

June 24, 2011

Fifty years ago, before the internet was invented, I received a gift from an old Bostonian friend - it was a battered old book that was at one time owned by Gen. J.J. Coppinger. It had been presented to him by the well known Irish public figure, Horace Plunkett, in 1895. Inside the front and back covers there were copies of the letters exchanged by Plunkett and Coppinger. It was thanks to Brian Pohanka that I discovered many years later on the internet something of the life and career of Gen. Coppinger and also of his famous father-in-law, James Gillespie Blaine, who was himself of Northern Irish extraction. Rest in peace, Brian.
John Sharkey, Dublin, Ireland

Mike Pearce

October 18, 2010

Brian and Family,

A very belated expression of sympathy for your loss.

I've known Brian Pohanka only through books and television and I always admired his love of the civil war his respect for the integrity and honor of those unique and selfless men that fought on each side.

Your words were always spoken from the heart, as if though they were gilded from heaven, and of the belief that those who have long been gone, will still continue to live in our midst through the heroic deeds they contributed for all of us during their time on our tiny orb.

I only learned two days ago of Brian's death and it struck me to my core. He and I both shared a love and respect for the great men that lived in a by-gone era, that bound us together in many respects, althoguh we never met.

I know that Brian's heart was a great and loving organ, and that his mind was broad and all-encompassing. Though he loved to portray his allegiance on the side of the Union, he remains my brother-in-arms, and I pray God's continued blessings on him and his family as they remain in Jesus's care.

This, from a man on the Southern side of the fence, near the same age as Captain Pohanka, a man that I much admire for how he lived. A great loss.

Peace sir, to you and yours,

James M. "Mike" Pearce
4th NC Calvary
Hertford Co. North Carolina

JoAnn Bartlett

June 16, 2006

Dear Brian - I think of you so very often. Losing you is devastating to we who knew you. I hope you see our dear friend Lenora Snedeker and my husband, Dan, who both crossed over too soon. You have inspired so many, including myself. I'm sure that you are the gentle breeze that passes Cricket's cheek or the delicate breezes swirling about your family. Know that you are loved and missed by multitudes of people whose lives you touched. Thank you for being you.

Lisa

June 15, 2006

You are, as always, remembered today dear Capt. and missed greatly.

Pat Finnegan

March 20, 2006

Remembering you, Brian, on what would have been your 51st birthday. Hope you're having a wonderful time, meeting and talking with all your Civil War/Great War heroes! May God be with your wife Cricket, your dad and siblings, and your many friends and admirers today. We miss you very much!

Derrick Pugh

March 16, 2006

I morn the passing of Mr.Pohanka, but know that he's sitting underneath the tree's with God and his General's.

joe atkinson

February 4, 2006

MATTHEW 5:8 STATES "BLESSED ARE THE PURE IN HEART,FOR THEY WILL SEE GOD". REST IN PEACE BRIAN POHANKA AND MAY YOUR WELL LIVED LIFE BE AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL.YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.

Randy Meyers

September 13, 2005

I had the pleasure of meeting Brian in the early 90's when I was starting in reenacting.He made me feel like I had known him for years I did'nt see him or talk to him to often,maybe three or four times throuout my reenacting.But I can tell you that brian was a very Humble Man!and Kind.I will never forget that he took the time to talk to me.To the Pohanka Family,I and my Family send our Heart Felt Sympathy.We will remember and Uplift

you in Prayer.

"Rest Dear Soldier In The Arms Of God"

Sincerly,

Randy and Family

George Till

September 13, 2005

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Brian. I met him on the "Gods and Generals, " set. He was very cordial to me. We talked, and had pictures taken togeather.

With Sympathy,

George Till

24th Michigan Infantry

Brian standing in front of men, ready for Battle of Nashville, 1996. Photo taken by Randy Meyers

September 12, 2005

Brian in center taking a break, at reenactment of the Battle for Nashville , 1996. Photo taken by Randy Meyers

September 12, 2005

Rick Utt

August 29, 2005

It was with shock and great sorrow that I read that Brian had past away. He was only a few years younger then myself. I can't image what our knowledge of or our historical Civil War sites would be like today with out Brian. He was on my list of people I would most like to meet and have lunch with. I will miss him. I know he is in good company with the boys of the original 5th New York and all the rest who have gone before whose memory and sacrifice he perserved. So Brian may you too"... cross over the river, and rest under the shade of the trees." Thank you and Rest in peace.

Thomas J. Turick

August 27, 2005

I am deeply saddened to learn belatedly of the passing of Mr. Pohanka. Although I never met him in person, I have been for years well aware of his work as a military historian and preservationist. I contacted Brian several times asking his help in my research on the Yates/Roberts families of Little Big Horn fame. He gave generously of his time and I will always remember him for his kindness. I have been a student of the Civil War for over 35 years and can honestly say that Brian Pohanka was an absolute giant among C.W. historians. He will be greatly missed. My sincerest prayers and condolences to his wife and family. May you rest in peace, Brian.

Kathy Ortman

August 12, 2005

I was saddened to hear of Brian's passing. He has touched the lives of so many people that I think he would even be surprised. My deepest sympthy to his wife and family.

Melanie Hastings-Briggs

August 2, 2005

Mr. Pohanka,

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Brian. My heart goes out to you and the family.

Harry Harrington

July 29, 2005

As a former member of the 5th NYVI reenactors I can say that Brian epitomized the lost art of being a gentleman. He always had time for all. He shared his encyclopedic knowledge. Captain Pohanka’s voice and personal warmth will be missed around the campfire.

He is a comrade who will not be forgotten.

May the good Lord bless him and keep him Sat Nam

Harry Harrington

Tenth NYVI ‘’National Zouaves’’

Amber Gordon

July 20, 2005

I had the opportunity to meet Brian ten years ago at a Joshua L. Chamberlain seminar in Gettysburg. Although there were many who wished to speak with him, he spent time with each individual to answer their questions or just to chat. His integrity and his passion for history combined with his kindness to all inspired me, as an 11 year old girl, to pursue my love of history, even though dissuaded by others.

I am now a history major in college, and hope to someday inspire others as he inspired me.

My prayers are with the Pohanka family at this time.

Bill Dalin

July 10, 2005

Our world seems a bit emptier at the moment. Thank God for Brian and his tireless efforts to teach and to guide us in this passion of ours. I imagine the "old" boys up yonder are throwing a few extra pieces of wood on the fire to welcome him Home.. Can't you?

Gary Weaver

July 5, 2005

There are bonds of all sorts in this world of ours,

Fetters of friendship and ties of flowers,

And true lover's knots, I ween.

The girl and the boy are bound by a kiss,

But there's never a bond, old friend, like this -

We have drank from the same canteen.

It was sometimes water, and sometimes milk,

And sometimes apple-jack fine as silk.

But, whatever the tipple has been,

We shared it together, in bane or bliss,

And I warm to you frind, when I think of this

We have drank from the same canteen.

The rich and the great sit down to dine,

And they quaff to each other in sparkling wine,

From glasses of crystal and green.

But I guess in their golden potations they miss

The warmth of regard to be found in this -

We have drank from the same canteen.

We have shared our blankets and tents together,

And have marched and fought in all kinds of weather,

And hungry and full we have been;

Had days of battle and days of rest;

But this memory I cling to, and love the best -

We have drank from the same canteen.

For when wounded I lay on the outer slop,

With my blood flowing fast, and but little to hope

Upon which my faint spirit could lean,

Oh, then I remember you crawled to my side,

And, bleeding so fast it seemed both must have died,

We drank from the same canteen.

Brian has passed the torch of preservation and educating the children to all of us . Brian had always treated me well. I will morn him.

With all my deepest sympathy,

Gary Weaver

96 PVI

National Regiment

Gerry Regan

July 5, 2005

Brian, you were an extraordinary presence in the world, a gentle man with deep passions and abiding dignity, a touchstone for the Civil War itself and a spokesman for its soldiers. I mourn your loss.

Carrie O'Dell

July 4, 2005

I apologize for the lateness of this entry, but on behalf of those of us who volunteer at Fort Delaware, I wanted to send our condolences to the Pohanka family.

While many of us did not know him directly, Mr. Pohanka influenced all of us--reenactors and non-reenactors--with his knowledge of the War. His loss will be felt indefinitely, and my heart goes out to his family.

To Bill Styple--you spoke to me about how much Brian will be missed, and oh, how right you are. His memory lives on within you and his family.

God bless you all.

Carrie

Karen Martin

June 30, 2005

I am struggling to add anything which has not already been said. The loss is so huge and irreplaceable for family and friends that it would be presumptuous for me to do anything except add my heartfelt condolences. I am so very heart sorry. During my own intense study of the Civil War, my path crossed Mr. Pohanka's off and on for a little over a decade -- sometimes I approached him with a question and sometimes I just listened. As with so many others of us with a similar passion for history, he always was unfailingly generous with his time and expertise. The last time that my family and I saw Capt. Pohanka and the 5th NY was during the 2003 Remembrance Day observance on LRT. His remarks included many references to the recent passing of a fellow comrade in the unit. When I said to my children this week that, this year, someone else would be saying words about the Captain's passing, my older daughter remarked that Captain Pohanka now is with all those people that he wrote about, studied and recognized throughout his life. Maybe that is small comfort to those left behind, but the remarkable contributions that he made to further the field of history and to advance historic preservation never will be forgotten. Although I did not know him personally, I am equally certain that his qualities of character, integrity and leadership leave an even bigger legacy behind.

Our thoughts are with you,

Jeff Sherry

June 28, 2005

I would like to express my sympathy to Brian's wife and family. I had met and talked to him only a few times through our mutual involvement in the National Regiment but I admired him as a historian always willing to share with others. He was a classy representative for our hobby and will be missed.

Jeff Sherry

9th Penna Reserves,

National Regiment

Pat Finnegan

June 28, 2005

I was very sad to hear of Brian's passing. I knew he'd been ill for some time, but it's still a shock. I first heard him on the History Channel's "Civil War Journal" program, and I was fascinated by all the stories he told. Not just about the 'famous' names who fought in that war, but also the 'unknown' stories....stories that I never heard mentioned in any school history book.

I'm thankful I got to meet Brian in person three times: twice in Gettysburg, when he was with his reenacting unit, the Fifth New York; and once at the 140th Antietam event. He was always gracious and patient with me, when I asked him so many questions. And he had a great sense of humor, when I was busily snapping pictures of him in his dashing Zouave uniform: "I think you have enough pictures of me', he said softly--and with a slight smile.

A few years ago, I discovered that Brian was a great admirer of General Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain--and had been so, even before interest in Chamberlain was considered 'cool'. I decided to create a Web site about Chamberlain in 1998, just after I 'discovered' the Internet--and started emailing Brian about contributing an essay about the general. It took a little doing, but in August 1998, he sent me a heartfelt and eloquent short essay, which I immediately posted. When I wrote to thank him for it, he was delighted that I was happy with it. And I always emailed him with news of updates about the site, and he always graciously replied back.

Brian will be missed--not only by me, but by all those who care about the Civil War, and about preserving the ground on which that war was fought. His lasting legacy will be his writings, and all the lives he touched--whether through those writings, or in person. And I believe he is, even now, meeting all those men who fought so bravely....and asking them all sorts of questions!

God bless you, my friend--and may He be with your beloved wife Cricket, and all your family and friends.

Rusty Dicks

June 27, 2005

I had met Brian through my involvement with the National Regiment and wish his family well through this difficult time.

Mark Pflum

June 27, 2005

My deapest condolences to the Pohanka Family. It has always been a great honor to have known Brian and to have had the privilege of watching him doing that which he loved so dearly.

History has lost a true friend. He will not be easily replaced, if ever. People like Brian are not given to us by the Host lightly. They are sent to us to make us more aware of the true worth of what we are and what lies around us. They are teachers that show us the importance of caring for what has happened and what lies before us. The loss of such people, especially Brian, leaves us with an immense void in our society that can only be filled by the emulation of those we have lost. While we may never attain the level of ability that Brian achieved, we may be able to add what little we can as individuals en masse.

Thank you, Brian, for all you have done. Thank you again, for all you have fostered and put into motion. Your undying spirit will continue your deeds even though your corporeal presence is no longer with us. You have done much in so little time. Few people ever make a mark upon the world they travel; you, my friend, have impressed profound footprints into enduring granite. May those footsteps guide the rest of us in our quest to do what is right for history.

Goodbye, my friend.

.

Joe Spangler

June 26, 2005

A great light has left the reenacting hobby and the study of US History. He will be sorely missed.

--Reenactor, 19th US Infantry

Karin Pohanka Marques

June 26, 2005

Condolences to the Pohanka family coming from the Czech Pohanka family: Jaromir, Miroslava, Roman and Karin. We enjoyed every moment of Brian's presence during our trip to the US in 1988 as well as our meetup in 1993. We'll miss Brian for the 200th anniversary of the three emperor's (Napoleon's) battle in Austerlitz, Czech Republic in September this year.

Joseph Korber

June 26, 2005

It was my privaledge to have met Brian through the National Regiment. His work in preserving our country's historic past has value beyond measure. He will be sorely missed by us all. My deepest condolences to his family.

Glenn LeBoeuf

June 25, 2005

Brian helped me greatly at the Gettysburg 130th reenactment in 1993 designing the scenarios. He was the right man, for the right cause at the right time. His work on earth, though unfinished...will go on. I will miss him greatly.

cheryl carney

June 24, 2005

I'll never forget the Rembrance Day in Gettysburg when my scout troop 718 and I just happened upon Mr. Brian Pohanka speaking at Little Round Top for the first time. These eleven year old boys listened in awe to Brian speak and we vowed to make it a tradition to meet him on the "round top" every year. We will be there this year with sadness in our hearts but with cheer knowing that he is there with us. Our condolences to his wife Cricket and family.

Michael Callahan

June 24, 2005

My condolences to the Pohanka family. The world is a lesser

place without him.

Kenneth Raia

June 24, 2005

I wish to express my most heartfelt condolences to Brian's family. I will miss seeing him marching at the head of the 5th NY. God's speed Brian. You will be missed!

Andrew Ziray

June 24, 2005

One of my favorite historians of the Civil War Era. I could listen to him talk all day.

Julie and John Fry

June 24, 2005

Our deepest sympathies to the family. He will be missed in the reenacting community.

Peggy & Donald Barndt

June 24, 2005

Brian will remain in our hearts and never be forgotten. He is now with the men he honored during his lifetime.

We extend our sincerest sympathy to his family.

LANA BAKER

June 23, 2005

TO THE POHANKA FAMILY,

EXTENDING MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO MRS.C POHANKA AND EXTENDED FAMILY IN

YOUR LOSS.

LANA BAKER

Jan Lugenbuhl

June 22, 2005

My admiration and respect for Brian Pohanka is beyond all description. I had the privilege of meeting him when he was a guest speaker at the New Orleans Civil War Round Table and will always remember how personable and accessible he was to those of us who share a love for the subject of history, and Civil War history in particular. Brian is in Good Hands, and no doubt his is enjoying the wonderful company of all of his heroes. They, no doubt, are delighted in *his* company as well. God bless. Very respectfully, Jan Lugenbuhl

Dennis Murphy

June 22, 2005

I did not know Mr. Pohanka on a personal level, however, I contacted him after reading an article about Myles Keough on thwildgeese.com. Brian was very generous with his time in answering my questions, and to this date, I am amazed that this well known figure, with his exceptional knowledge of Keough responded so graciously. While his family mourns his loss, we all should mourn the passing of a decent, honorable man who gave freely so that others might know history.

Gary Thompson

June 22, 2005

His face was familiar to most of us in the reenacting community, but I had the honor of meeting him in person... once at the filming of "Gettysburg" and again at Cedar Creek, where I shook his hand and expressed my admiration for his work in reenacting and the movement for historic preservation. He was the very personification of the old adage "a gentleman and a scholar." He will be deeply, deeply missed by all who care about American history and the preservation of our heritage of courage and commitment.

Lisa Andrews

June 21, 2005

Words cannot state what you meant to so many of us in the Civil War community. Your dedication to these men in uniform was not in vain ~ your hard work will continue on with those of us who share your belief that preservation of land and memories should never end! I have seen it written that, "A man that is passionate about history, is a man worth knowing" and you, Sir, were that indeed. Thank you for all that you taught me and countless others ~ Gettysburg will never be the same without you there.

HUZZAH! Dear Capt. and may God bless and keep you always and comfort those who will miss you greatly. Rest in Heavenly peace always and know that you will never be forgotten.

JoAnn Bartlett

June 20, 2005

The loss of Brian is almost more than one can bear. My heart goes out to Cricket and his family. I'm sure he will be greeted on the other side by those who also loved him.

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