Henry Pohlmann

FARMINGTON
Henry F. 'Hank' Pohlmann
March 23, 1920 - July 1, 2009
Henry F. "Hank" Pohlmann, 89, passed away Wednesday, July 1, 2009, in Farmington. He was born March 23, 1920, in St. Louis, Mo.
Hank, a longtime resident of Farmington, was active in the community and political arena. He belonged to civic groups, served as President of the San Juan Country Club during a major expansion project, was a sought-after speaker on a variety of topics from art to oil and gas production, and ran for governor of New Mexico.
Raised by his loving grandmother and his strong-willed uncle in a German immigrant community, Hank learned the importance of hard work, creativity, ingenuity, and tenacity at a very early age. These traits provided the foundation for the successful, caring, intelligent, and insightful man he became.
After completing his early education and working as a high lineman, Hank joined the Marine Corps and proudly served four years during World War II, at Guadalcanal and Saipan and continued his service in the Reserve for two more years. He was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Serving his country was one of Hank's proudest moments.
After completing his military service, Hank married Colette Cypher, mother of his children. Colette's father was instrumental in encouraging Hank to complete his college education and pursue the field of geology. Hank received an Engineering Degree at East L.A. City College and a B.A. in Geology at Occidental College.
Early in his career he worked for Long Beach Oil Development, Honolulu Oil Company and the Navajo Nation. Hank started his own independent consulting business in 1968 and continued working in the oil, coal, gas and water exploration area well into the late 1990s.
As an award-winning artist, he used his art to communicate powerful messages and feelings. Hank created comic strips for fellow service men and often used his art as a political commentary.
During his tenure as Mineral Supervisor for the Navajo Tribe, he developed a deep appreciation for the Navajo people which inspired many of his works. When not painting, Hank found time to read, ride his motorcycle, spend time with friends, and for many years was a regular contributor to the newspaper, where he shared his views of the world.
His connection to animals was profound. Hank often said he preferred their company to some people. Over the years he had many pets but was especially fond of his dogs, birds and fish. While working in and around the Navajo Reservation, Hank encountered many stray animals. Some lucky ones found their way home with Hank and lived a very blessed life, while others received treats from the dog food he always kept in his truck.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Russell; parents, Bertha and Henry Pohlmann; grandmother, Bertha Lietchen; his beloved aunt, Emily Mitkos; and his uncle, Otto Lietchen.
Hank in survived by daughter, Penelope Fulton, and granddaughter, Camille Fulton of Bakersfield, Calif.; daughter, Lisa Hopkins and husband, Mike; and son, Kevin Pohlmann and wife, Julie, of Houston, Texas.
He made many friends through the years and among the most valued are Elliott Riggs, John Bircher, Bill and Connie Kelt, and Tina Lang. Some of Hank's friends who are gone now but not forgotten are Ken Ellis, Hugh Mitchell, Ray Sitta, and Heb Tsosie.
A celebration of Hank's life will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 23, at Cope Memorial Chapel, 404 W. Arrington St., in Farmington. Military honors will be provided by VFW Post No. 2182.
A gathering of friends will be at the Best Western Inn and Suites, 700 Scott Ave., following the service. Interment will take place at 10 a.m., Friday, July 24, in the Garden of Freedom at Memory Gardens, 6917 E. Main St., in Farmington.
The family would like to extend their thank you to Dr. Matthew DeKay, Dr. Denise Dorner, and the staff of Life Care Center of Farmington for their care and support.
Hank … son, father, grandfather, and friend was loved and will be greatly missed!
Those wishing to send a condolence or share a memory with the family may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Hank's memory to the San Juan Animal League, P.O. Box 142, Farmington, 87499, or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Cope Memorial Chapel, 404 W. Arrington St., in Farmington; (505) 327-5142.