[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 16, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S788]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               REMEMBERING REPRESENTATIVE HOWARD POLLOCK

  Ms. MURKOWSKI. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Howard Pollock, 
an Alaskan political pioneer. I am saddened to report that 
Representative Pollock, a true Alaskan spirit and a greatly respected 
public servant, passed away at the age of 90 in Coronado, CA, on 
January 9, 2011.
  Twenty-eight members of Howard's family were by his side during his 
final moments. Like all who knew and loved Howard, they will remember 
him as both a family man and a fighter for Alaska's best interests. He 
is respected by the people of my home State for his dedicated service 
during territorial days, his leadership in Juneau in the early days of 
Alaska's statehood, and for his continued service in Washington, DC, 
and other parts of the world. Howard recognized and valued Alaska's 
untilled potential and true grit spirit, and it was that very spirit 
that drew him north to Alaska as a young man.
  Howard Pollock was born in Chicago on April 11, 1920. As a boy he 
grew up in New Orleans, and he won a Mississippi State boxing title in 
junior college. When World War II broke out, he answered his country's 
call to duty, enlisted as a Navy seaman, and served overseas.
  On Easter Sunday in 1944, a grenade exploded during a training 
exercise and Howard lost his right forearm. This tragedy would be a 
setback for most, but it didn't slow Howard down one bit. He continued 
to rise through the ranks and retired in 1946 as a lieutenant 
commander. This prestigious rank was quite fitting for his 
distinguished career.
  After the war Howard and his first wife Maryanne Passmore Pollock 
began their trek north to the territory of Alaska on the recently built 
Alaska-Canadian highway. Howard and Maryanne built a cabin and made 
their home on 80 wild acres of land south of Anchorage, nothing like 
the Anchorage we know today.
  Alaska quickly became Howard's pride and focus. He juggled school and 
politics and earned a law degree from the University of Houston and a 
master's degree from MIT. And it wasn't long before he again answered 
the call to service. His official entrance into politics began when a 
friend dared him to run for mayor of Anchorage. Although he lost that 
race, he would stay involved in the affairs of Alaska--from then on.
  Howard's dedication and involvement quickly earned him a seat at the 
table with the other young movers and shakers of those infamous years 
leading up to statehood. Teaming up with a passionate group of 
Alaskans, including a young Ted Stevens, they worked tirelessly to gain 
statehood and built upon what little infrastructure Alaska had at that 
time.
  Howard also held office--both elected and appointed--for a number of 
years. He was elected to the territorial legislature in 1955 and served 
as a State senator for 5 years. In 1966, he became Alaska's sole 
Congressman, ably serving the Nation's largest State. He served in the 
U.S. House of Representatives until 1970. He would go on to serve as 
deputy director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 
and, following that, served as part of the American delegation to the 
Law of the Sea Conference. Also, Howard proudly served as the National 
Rifle Association president.
  Despite his demanding public commitments, Howard never forgot how to 
have fun. After losing his arm in the war, he taught himself how to 
shoot left handed and enjoyed hunting. He loved fishing for marlin and 
traveling the world. He earned a black belt in Tae Kwon Do at the age 
of 75--the epitome of a man who was ``young at heart.'' If Howard's 
love of the Last Frontier didn't emulate the pioneer spirit enough 
already, his hobbies certainly did.
  Howard Pollock made a difference not only in Alaskan politics, but 
also in the lives of Alaskans. He helped set a foundation that has 
allowed Alaska to become the greatest State in our Union. Last month, 
the Pollock family lost a loving father and husband. Alaskans lost a 
pioneer and a leader--a man who always fought for them. And our Nation 
lost a dedicated servant who had served with great distinction, first 
in World War II and ultimately in a public career that spanned several 
decades.
  On behalf of all Alaskans, I extend my prayers and deepest sympathies 
to Howard's five children, his nine grandchildren, his family and 
friends, most particularly his companion Marina Goodenough, and all who 
knew and loved him.

                          ____________________