Richard Pohli

Captain Richard (Dick) R. Pohli Dick passed away peacefully at home surrounded by love ones, on Monday, May 23, 2011, at the age of 81. A native of Mill Valley, California, son of Emil and Maude Pohli; he graduated from Tamalpais High School in 1947. Like other family members Dick was a lover of Mt. Tamalpais and the great outdoors. He participated in scouting, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Dick entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 1948, graduating in 1952 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. Post graduate study followed at the Indian Defense Services Staff College, Wellington, India and the U.S. Naval War College in Rhode Island. Dick served his country in the Navy from 1952 - 1980, holding a variety of assignments afloat and ashore in surface and aviation tours. He held three commands at sea, and his last tour of duty was Commanding Officer of Treasure Island. During the Korean Conflict, he was assigned to the amphibious forces. In the Vietnam War, he commanded a destroyer, and served on a carrier division staff embarked in five different attack aircraft carriers in the Gulf of Tonkin. Dick's varied career included a three-year diplomatic assignment as Naval Attache at the American Embassy, New Delhi, India. He was a highly decorated officer receiving a number of unit commendations, service and campaign medals, among them two Bronze Star Medals, The Meritorious Service Medal, Armed Forces Commendation Medal, two Navy Commendation Medals, and the Vietnamese Honor Medal First Class. Following retirement, Dick returned to his beloved childhood home of Mill Valley. Once there he immersed himself in the local activities of his community, the Mountain Play and the Mill Valley Historical Society being two of his favorites. In his second career he served as President of Invest in America, in San Francisco; which is a non-profit organization sponsoring economic education programs for students. Over the years he participated in countless service activities including the Alliance to save Marin General Hospital; the Kiwanis Club of San Francisco, serving as President twice; and the Executive Board of the S.F. Bay Area Council of the Boy Scouts where he received the Silver Beaver Award. In addition, he volunteered with Guide Dogs for the Blind, Salvation Army, held memberships in numerous naval organizations, and was a life time member of the Golden Gate Breakfast Club and the Bohemian Club of San Francisco. Richard is survived by the love of his life Marilyn Williams, his daughter Krista Pohli-Rose, his son Robert Pohli, five grandkids, and 2 great granddaughters. A Celebration of Life will take place on Mon June 6, 2011 5:30 PM at the Marine Memorial Club, 609 Sutter St. San Francisco. In lieu of flowers donations to the Salvation Army of San Francisco or the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund are preferred.