Rick Pole

Rick Pole passed away on May 1, 2022. His life began in Covington, Virginia located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, only to end too soon in the Rocky Mountains in Salt Lake City, Utah. In between, Rick lived a life of his own making, filled with adventure and a love of our beautiful earth.

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After a youth spent delivering papers, running around with friends, and discovering pre-historic artifacts in the farm fields of Virginia, Rick completed a Bachelor's Degree from Ferrum College in Ferrum, Virginia. Following his graduation, Rick embarked on a great physical quest: riding his bicycle across the U.S. and into Canada, completing his journey in Seattle, Washington. He met many fellow travelers and countless kind people who would offer a camping spot or a warm meal along the way. He recounted many stories over the years with his friends and family, and was grateful for the opportunity to complete such a journey.

Although at times he thought he would quit the ride early, he saw it through and was determined to make his life in the western U.S. He made his start in Glenwood Springs, Colorado where he spent some time skiing and working a bit to support his interests in exploring the west. This is also where he met his wife of 34 years, Ann Rabatsky.

He moved on to Logan, Utah and completed his Master's Degree in Watershed Science, then settled in Salt Lake City, Utah. His career in the environmental field spanned the next 30 years, and he eventually established his own business, Alpine Environmental Consultants, primarily monitoring water quality and researching environmental hazards on commercial properties.

These years also were filled with his primary love - the great outdoors. He explored the mountains, peaks, valleys, and canyons of Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. His early interest in pre-historic civilization expanded through his exploration of the numerous dwellings of the Southwest. This led him to learn of the living descendants of these peoples, and their traditions and arts. He dedicated countless hours in the service of the elders involved in the Adopt-A-Native Elder program, and immersed himself in their weaving arts. He also supported a lovely Navajo grandmother for several years until her death. Throughout, he developed several friendships and experienced some '...from birth to death, we travel between the eternities...' of the happiest years of his life.

Sadly, the later years of his life comprised a journey that was far too challenging to overcome. He and his wife shared a great love for the family and friends in their lives, notably his brother Barry Brady and his family; the Rabatsky siblings and their families; their Dinner Group companions; the many neighbors in his Sugar House and Emigration Canyon communities; and the Fuchs and Blackburn families. And while all this love helped keep the oppressive despair at bay, this was the one journey he could not see his way through.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Dain Pole, and his in-laws, Robert and Margaret Rabatsky.

A Celebration of Life Memorial is being planned to give his family and friends the time to remember the man they loved; the details will be announced at a later date. The outpouring of love showered on his wife has sustained her through her grieving. Kindly consider supporting her, and remembering Rick, by making a contribution in his name to Adopt-A-Native Elder, Utah Donor Connect, or an organization significant to you.