— from Madie Murray —
No one ever wants to outlive their children, but life doesn’t ask us what we want…it just happens. My son, Bill Pollock, passed away Wednesday night from what appears to have been a massive heart attack. He was only 49. Too young. Too soon. But, non-the-less, gone from me, his daughter Madison Pollock whom he loved so dearly, and from all those who shared his joys and challenges, his pain and laughter.
In the not-too-distant future, those closest to him will be gathering together to sail out to sea to scatter his ashes on the waters where he so loved to be. And like the wonderful poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye, he will become the “thousand winds that blow, the diamond glints on snow, the sun on ripened grain, the gentle autumn rain …” He did not die.
An account has been set up at Key Bank on Orcas Island to accept donations towards Madison’s college fund for those wishing to make a contribution to honor Bill’s life. Check may be made payable to Madison Pollock College Fund Donation Acct. and sent to Key Bank, PO Box 30, Eastsound, WA 98245.
The outpouring of kind thoughts, hugs, prayers, and sweet words has been generous and unrelenting from this loving community, and we want to thank all of you for being the wonderful people you are. Life goes on, life happens and life is precious. Hug your kids a little tighter, and keep your friends and family close.
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What a lovely tribute, Madie. Thank you for sharing.
Your tribute to Bill opened my heart, Madie. I too had a son who died in his 40’s, as you said, too soon. His generous spirit does live on, though, particularly in his son, as, I’m sure, does Bill’s in his delightful daughter. I join you in grieving the loss and celebrating the all too short lives of our adult children. We are not alone.
I posted this message on my Facebook for my friend Bill: I am saddened to post that my friend, Bill Pollock, who I met and embraced as a true friend passed away this Wednesday. Bill was one of my newest friends nurtured on Orcas in the recent past. He was a special friend – his love of his Daughter Madison was unquestionable and what gave him his drive and goals for his life for her.
Bill had a smile that was infectious and he made me feel good to be around him. He gave of himself in so many ways to make things right in his life and to make things right for his daughter, he like us all, had the life problems we all have had or have now, I did not measure him by his or my failures or issues but how he treated me, so we had a mutual understanding that our bumps and bruises in life are not the true measure of who we try and want to be. I honor my friend for the struggles he endured, the efforts he made to be the man he wanted for his family and for himself. He is and will be my friend. God speed my Brother.
What a wonderful way to honor his memory, through the nurturing of daughter Madison. Our hearts go out to you all.
So sorry for your loss. My brother, Stephen, died at 32 on 1992. Too soon. My prayers for you and yours, Gretchen
Your response to this loss is amazing Madie. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Dear Madie: I ache for your loss but treasure that with his lovely daughter lives on and will continue to enrich your life.
Pam Harney
Not knowing either you or Bill or having had children, I still want to thank you for your homage to him. You speak so lovingly and eloquently of your. And you look to the future, to your granddaughter’s future. I wish you comfort and love in this sudden tragedy.
Madie, if Bill were still alive, I think he would be giving YOU a hug. He loved you and Madison dearly.