2008 UC Berkeley Journalism Alum Brian Pollack Dies

The UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism is sad to report that Brian Pollack, a beloved member of the class of 2008, died on October 27.

Pollack was an avid storyteller and technology executive and an enthusiastic hiker, kayaker and cyclist. He studied documentary filmmaking at the school. He was 49.

Ever in search of adventure, Pollack’s journalism took him to Iraq, Alaska, China and Lebanon. He embedded with Marines for his thesis documentary, “Armed Ambassadors,” chased storms in the Midwest, and got to know prisoners following graduation.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from Boston University and later received an M.B.A from the University of Washington in Seattle. He worked for numerous technology companies both before and after his time at Berkeley.

Pollack enjoyed a large and loving family including his mother, Marlene, his late father Dr. Irving Pollack, his siblings Linda Pollack Klitenic and her husband Marc, Dr. Carol Nelson and her husband Howard, Dr. John Pollack and his wife Susan, and Shelley Pollack Schwartz. He was close with his many nieces and nephews, including Samantha Klitenic, Seth, Jared, and Brett Nelson, Ethan, Lauren, and Jordan Pollack, and Noah, Benjamin, and Josh Schwartz.

Personal note from Robert Lewis (’08)
What a sweet man. I say with confidence that everyone at J-School knew and loved Brian. He had such a wonder about the world it was totally clear why he decided to pursue journalism. (He had a phase where he read all of Winston Churchill’s letters and tried to convince me we should make a multi-episode podcast.)

When I think of Brian I see his smiling eyes in class, at parties, at the gym or on camping trips, he was just a happy presence. It’s telling that in many of the Facebook remembrances, friends have posted photos of him hiking. He always seemed eager for the next adventure, the next chance to go explore the world.

After Berkeley, many in our class slowly fell out of touch, communicating with the occasional Facebook message. But Brian worked harder than anyone I’ve ever met to maintain friendships. Many of his former classmates can attest to receiving semi-regular phone calls, maybe even a song left on voicemail. He wanted to know how you were doing and wanted to celebrate life successes. I’d bet if any of his classmates go back on Facebook to look at their posts celebrating a wedding, birth, job promotion or just a good day, they’d see Brian had “liked” it.

I feel lucky to have known Brian. His joy and awe at the world is an inspiration. I’ll miss knowing that on some random Monday I might get a call saying he was passing through town on his way to or from some backpacking trip and wanted to see my kids, maybe grab a beer. I’m sure many other people across the country and probably around the world feel the same.

Personal note from Brett Wilkison (’08)
Brian offered a constant source of support and inspiration to his journalism classmates at North Gate Hall and beyond in the working world. If you landed a scoop, captured an unforgettable image or found a home for your documentary project, Brian was the first to reach out and offer congratulations.

He loved to brainstorm concepts for the next big story or hash out ideas for the next life-changing invention. And the next big outdoor adventure a paddling trip along Alaska’s wild shores, a mountain bike outing in the Sierra Nevada was always in the works, and he wanted you to come along for the ride.

He had an effortless ability to connect with people and he loved the exchange of experience both of which fueled his work as a journalist. After long days and nights in the editing studio at North Gate, he would wind down with a solo run through the Berkeley hills, a drink with friends at a crowded bar or one of the tomes of world history stacked in his apartment. He was, for many of us, the older brother who brimmed with a vitality impossible to match. But he offered that energy freely and we were fortunate to have shared a path with him.

Personal note from Carol Nelson, Brian Pollack’s sister
Brian was beloved by his family and friends. He was the youngest of five kids. He was absolutely adored by his 10 nieces and nephews. He was someone who cared about each one of us, someone who took time to have deep conversations where others prefer to keep contact light. Brian was a talented writer for the unique way he presented nuanced emotions. He was working on a number of consulting projects at the time of his death. Life without Brian is unthinkable. But his memory will hopefully guide all of us and bring us peace.

In Memoriam
A memorial service was held for Brian Pollack on Sunday, Oct. 30 in Pikesville, MD. He is interred at Arlington Cemetery – Chizuk Amuno Congregation in Baltimore.

The family has asked that those wishing to remember Brian please omit flowers. You are welcome to make a contribution to the Chizuk Amuno Congregation, 8100 Stevenson Road, Baltimore, MD 21208 or the charity of your choice.