Ryan Lee Pollock was born December 5, 1980 in Missoula, MT and passed away surrounded by loved ones on September 2, 2026. In his 45 years he was a fisherman, hunter, mushroom forager, avid outdoorsman, and dedicated father. Every day was an opportunity to adventure, learn, love, and enjoy.

He especially loved fishing, whether on a boat at Holter, at Vermilion Bay on Noxon, in an icehouse on Georgetown, paddling a canoe on the Flathead, or catching the salmon run on the Columbia. By the time he could hold a pole, he took every chance to fish.

He admired the magic of our natural world. From exploring the waters at midnight, to jumping off cliffs and bridges, to scouting elk in places most don't have the courage to reach, he always followed the call of the wild.

Ryan was deeply spiritual; his sanctuary was the great outdoors; he held a profound gratitude for nature and shared an innate bond with animals. Ravens and crows were especially symbolic for him.

Ryan possessed a sharp mind brimming with curiosity and an intense desire to learn. Throughout life, his main pursuit was knowing the flora, fauna, and fungi that surround us. Much of his time was spent teaching others and sharing stories along the way.

In recent years he reveled in fishing on his boat and elk hunting with his beloved partner, Nikki. They also ran a successful cleaning business together. Ryan worked in the modern world so he could play in the natural one.

One of his greatest joys was being a father. His two children were constantly learning and growing with his guidance. Ryan was the most knowledgeable and generous father, not only to his children but to anyone in need. Some of his largest smiles were had while helping kids catch their first fish or harvest their first animal. His legacy and spirit will live on through them.

Ryan embodied a spirit of unconditional love and forgiveness — a heart so accepting, there was never a stranger in his presence.

Ryan lived life fiercely, generously sharing his joy, laughter, and light with everyone fortunate enough to cross his path. Though his time on Earth was tragically short, his love remains timeless.

He is survived by his partner Nikki Planchon, his daughter Emalee Pollock, his son Fisher Pollock, his father Jay Pollock, his mother Renae Job, his brother Jason Pollock, and his sister Stacy Job. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Jake and Rowena Holley, his uncle Miles Dodson, and his great grandfather Ross Bowles.

Ryan will be remembered as full of life and for his fearlessness. Even when there were storm clouds above, he looked toward the sun. We will miss his contagious silliness, selfless bravery, soulful wisdom, phenomenal storytelling, and his unparalleled love. Ryan’s knowledge of nature was admirable and his desire to share it will be profoundly missed.

A celebration of life will be held next summer in Trout Creek, where he grew up fishing and hunting with family and friends. His ashes will be released into the Noxon reservoir, where he will make his way to the Columbia and eventually the Pacific, all places he cherished.

From the wild he came and to the wild he returned.

Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. ~ Norman Maclean