Obituary for Brian Joseph Pollreis

Brian Joseph Pollreis

November 6, 1965 – July 17, 2024

Brian Joseph Pollreis, 58, of Waldport, Oregon, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2024.

Brian was born on November 6, 1965, to his loving parents, Bette and Robert Pollreis. He spent his early years in St. Cloud Minnesota, fishing on the state’s many lakes with his 13 siblings. There, Brian attended Apollo High School, before moving to Largo, Florida, where he graduated from Largo High School. In February 1985, Brian enlisted in the United States Air Force, marking the beginning of a distinguished military career that spanned three decades. During his service, he deployed around the world, supporting operations such as SOUTHERN WATCH, ENDURING FREEDOM, and IRAQI FREEDOM. Brian achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, the highest enlisted senior noncommissioned officer rank, and was honored with the 2006 AFA Pitsenbarger Award, 2010 Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award, as well as numerous Meritorious Service and Commendation medals. Brian was deeply proud of his duty and his service with the United States Air Force.

One of Brian’s most challenging moments came during his deployment to Saudi Arabia, where he was directly affected by the terrorist attack on the Khobar Towers on June 25, 1996. His exposure to the blast, along with subsequent exposures to burn pits and toxins in other austere deployed environments, led to his development of Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs), also known as Carcinoid cancer. Brian courageously faced numerous health issues and complications related to his military service throughout his retirement.

Brian was a dedicated student throughout his career and military service. He continued his education while raising a family and serving in the Air Force, earning a Master of Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2013, a testament to his commitment to excellence and lifelong learning.

Ever kind and thoughtful toward those in need, Brain often gave his time and energy to community services and charity events. Proud of his military service, he donated his time and technical expertise to refurbish an F-15 fighter jet for exhibition in the American Air Museum in Duxford, England. He participated in St. Baldrick’s Charity, shaving his head for those in need, donated many hours of service to food pantries in McCall and Mountain Home, and volunteered with numerous other organizations including SOLVE Oregon, and the Special Olympics.

Brian is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Llisa Pollreis; his daughters, Rachel Pollreis and Sarah (Wyatt) Shewmaker, and his loyal hound, Moose. Brain loved his family, and cherished the time he spent with his children exploring the mountains, canyons, and coastal wildernesses of Idaho, Oregon, and Washington.

Brian was an accomplished outdoorsman and all who knew him recognized his keen eye for mushroom hunting and huckleberry foraging. He also loved fishing and crabbing, and could often be found checking his crab pots along Bayshore Beach in Waldport, Oregon, or ice fishing on Payette Lake in McCall, Idaho.

Family and friends have fond memories of Brian’s love for long talks and card games around a dining room table, hunting agates along rocky Oregon beaches, and rock hounding across the river beds and the canyon lands of Idaho.

To honor Brian’s wishes, there will be no funeral service. Instead, the family requests that donations be made to the Yachats Lion’s Club, an organization dear to Brian’s heart. More information can be found at Yachats Lions Club.

Brian Joseph Pollreis will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of service, love for family, and passion for the outdoors will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/brian-pollreis/obituary/

Copy