Lewis Bear Pollak Sr.

A hero is someone who is brave, strong, bold, daring and courageous. Lewis Bear (Buddy) Pollak, Sr., who passed away on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, in jacksonville, FL at the age of 84, was all those things. He battled cancer, sepsis and other challenges, defying odds with a will to live that extended his life way beyond all expectations. Whether visiting exotic locales, hiking at 14,000 feet or meeting new people, he experienced life on his terms. He raced a sailboat as if every outing were the America's Cup.

A hero is also someone who is kind, loving and generous, who does for others before himself. Buddy Pollak was all those things. His charitable and civic work was often done quietly, without fanfare. His leadership skills led him to the top of numerous organizations. His integrity was without question. His devotion to family was unsurpassed.

Buddy was born January 3, 1939 in Pensacola, Florida. He is predeceased by his Mother, Elise Bear Pollak; Father, William D. Pollak; and Daughter, Stephanie Gail Pollak.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Brenda B. Pollak; Son, Lewis B. Pollak Jr., (Barbara); Son, William D. Pollak II, (Susan); Daughter, Karen E. Pollak; Granddaughter, Abigail Pollak; Grandson, Nate Pollak; Grandson, Michael Pollak; Granddaughter, Stephanie Kloster, (Chase); Granddaughter, Elise Slowikowski, (Charles); and three Great Grandchildren, Aria, Leo and Charlie Slowikowski.

In recent years, he has been cared for by a devoted team of caregivers, Kim Robinson, Sabrena Johnson, Vinnie Tolbert and several others, whom he loved liked family, and whose kindness, patience and skill prolonged his life.

Buddy graduated from Pensacola High School and Tulane University, after which he joined the family business, The Lewis Bear Company, founded in 1876 and continuing to this day, holding many positions, including serving as its President and CEO before retiring in 1995.

He was the Founder and 1st President of the Gulf Breeze Rotary Club, where he had perfect attendance for 25 years. He founded 2 other Rotary Clubs and was awarded the honorary title of Paul Harris Fellow. He was a Past Master and Life Member of Pensacola Masonic Lodge 42 F&AM and Past Master of the Scottish Rite Valley of Pensacola, where he was awarded the honorary 33rd Degree. He was President of Temple Beth El, Pensacola, FL, and served on the Boards of numerous charitable organizations. He was a Leadership Santa Rosa graduate.

Buddy's passion for sailing led to positions as Commodore, Pensacola Yacht Club; Commodore, Gulf Yachting Association; United States Yacht Racing Union Senior Race Officer and Judge; and United States Flying Scot Sailing Association President. Buddy's love of golf resulted in leadership positions in 3 different country clubs -- Pensacola Country Club (Pensacola, FL), San Jose Country Club (Jacksonville, FL) and the Country Club of Sapphire Valley (Cashiers, NC).

A graveside Celebration of Life will take place at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 26th, at Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL. A meal of consolation at the home of Brenda Pollak will immediately follow the service, 6730 Epping Forest Way North, #107, Jacksonville, FL 32217. A Shiva Minyan will be held Monday evening at 5:30 PM, also at the same location.

Contributions may be made to ARC-Gateway, Pensacola, Florida; Temple BethEl, Pensacola, Florida; Congregation Ahavath Chesed, Jacksonville, Florida; Cashiers-Highlands Humane Society, Cashiers, NC; or a charity of your choice.