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, nonetheless, 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, Wash. 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.

– Madie Murray