John P. (Jack) Polich, 55, of Ironwood, died at his home Tuesday, November 25, 2008, his first wedding anniversary, after a 13-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by family and friends. Jack was born on August 16, 1953, in Stambaugh, son of Kathryn (Phillips) and the late John J. Polich. In 1971, Jack graduated from Kingsford High School. He earned Associate Degrees in water quality and natural resource management from Lake Superior State College in 1974 and 1975. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in water resources from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1984. From 1975-77, he served as a civilian employee for the United States Air Force. From 1985 to present, Jack was employed by Coleman Engineering Company. He was an Associate and Director of Environmental Services. In addition, he served the company as Health and Safety Officer. Jack had a passion for adventure travel around the world. He enjoyed cross-country and telemark skiing, biking and hiking. He was a member and past director of Wolverine Nordic Ski club. Another interest was fishing on his boat in Lake Superior. Jack could easily be engaged in lively discussions of politics and current events. He attended Range Community Bible Church in Hurley. Jack's compassion for others was expressed whenever there was a friend in need. He always found time to show genuine concern and to offer help. HE WAS A SPECIAL MAN WHO KNEW THE STRENGTH OF GENTLENESS, WHO GAVE THE GIFT OF THOUGHTFULNESS, WHO LIVED A LIFE OF KINDNESS AND OF LOVE. On November 25, 2007, Jack was married to Deborah Kay Leonard at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ramsay by the Rev. Edward Wright. She survives. Also surviving are his mother, Kathryn Polich and brother, Robert, both of Iron Mountain; sisters, Rosalyn Ebert of Ortonville and Marion Janeshek of Rochester Hills; and brother-in-law, Marshall Leonard of Tupelo, Miss. Also surviving are nieces and nephews, Christopher (Michelle) Ebert, Deanna (Gregory) Beatty, Carrie (Tom) Long, and Randall Janeshek. He leaves numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He will be missed by his beloved English Springer Spaniel, India. Jack was preceded in death by his father on October 22, 1997. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 29, at 11:00 a.m., at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Ramsay with the Rev. Edward Wright officiating. Committal will take place at the church with a luncheon to follow in the church fellowship hall. A spring burial will be in the family plot in the Stambaugh Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, 305 N. Lowell St., in Ironwood, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday and again from 10 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the church. Pallbearers will be Christopher Ebert, Randall Janeshek, James Foley, John Garske, Myron Berry, John Neinstaedt, Jeffrey Musselman and Marshall Leonard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 2141 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 7000, El Segundo, CA 90245, or the Wolverine Nordic Ski Club, E5445 Sunset Rd., Ironwood, MI 49938. To view Jack's obituary online, sign the guestbook, or express condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home, Inc., Ironwood