Howard Pollock

Howard W. Pollock, 90, former U.S. Congressman for the state of Alaska, died peacefully Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011, in Coronado, Calif. He was surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Chicago on April 11, 1920, to Oscar and Olga Pollock. This began an incredible journey through life that positively impacted everyone he came in contact with.

Howard and his brother Eugene were raised in New Orleans by their mother, Olga. After attending Perkinston Junior College in Mississippi, Howard enlisted in the Merchant Marines and then joined the U.S. Navy at the beginning of World War II, reaching the rank of lieutenant commander.

During the war, Howard was severely wounded in a grenade explosion, losing his arm and suffering two punctured lungs. Near death in his hospital bed, he was able look down at his medical chart. What he saw had life changing and significant impact on his life, faith and future. The clipboard read "Death Imminent."

Howard not only recovered from these serious wounds, he went on to accomplish an unbelievable list of achievements throughout his life. Ironically, his primary focus throughout life was never the accumulation of accomplishments, but to experience the journey, by living life to the fullest, enjoying each experience he encountered and leaving a positive impact on those he touched.

After receiving a medical discharge from the Navy, Howard married Maryanne Passmore from Dallas, Texas, and started a family that eventually grew to five children. In 1948, Howard and Maryanne drove to Alaska and homesteaded in the Rabbit Creek area south of Anchorage. In August of 1952, Howard and Maryanne temporarily left Alaska so he could attend law school at the University of Santa Clara.

Two months later, while attending law school, Howard learned that he was elected to the Alaska Territorial Legislature. He returned to Alaska for the legislative session, delaying law school. After serving in the Legislature, he resumed his education and received his law degree from the University of Houston School of Law in 1955. After graduation, Howard opened a law practice in Anchorage, but his first real passion was politics. He was elected to multiple terms in the Alaska State Legislature and two terms in the U.S House of Representatives from 1966 to 1970.

In 1971, Howard was appointed by President Nixon as the deputy administrator for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. After his retirement from NOAA, Howard stayed in Washington, D.C., as a government consultant and served as president of the National Rifle Association. Howard also served as a board member of many national and international organizations including Ducks Unlimited, and the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep.

Howard's second passion was for the outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. His hunting expeditions included over 25 trips to Africa.

Howard spent the last 35 years of his life with his life partner, Marina Goodenough, living and traveling together extensively both domestically and internationally.

Howard is survived by his children, Ron Pollock, Pamela Pollock, Randy Pollock, Patty Raymond and Rick Pollock; his nine grandchildren, David Pollock, Erin Pollock, Allison Pollock, Liv Pollock, Patrick Raymond, Joseph Raymond, Hannah Raymond, James Raymond, Nick Campbell; and his companion of 35 years, Marina Goodenough.

A service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 655 C St., in Coronado, Calif. There will be a separate memorial service in Anchorage in July.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ducks Unlimited, the National Rifle Association, or the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep.