Jeffrey Pollet, loving father, and husband, a whimsical soul, passed away suddenly of a heart attack near his home in West Olive on May 7, 2021, at the age of 61. He was born in Detroit on August 2, 1959, to his Belgian parents, Louis and Ginette Pollet. He attended parochial school as a child and often attributed his strong academic foundation to that experience.
Jeff’s youth was filled with adventures, odd jobs, and an insatiable love of learning which continued to his dying days. He met the love of his life, Cyndi (Choly) at church in Royal Oak while he was a medical student. They immediately bonded as close friends over a conversation about Bullwinkle, were married on a hot day in July 1985, and continued that passion for 36 years, raising six wonderful children and later enjoying time spent with their six grandchildren, recently finding joy in expecting their seventh.
From the moment Jeff dissected a frog in fifth grade, he knew he wanted to pursue a career in medicine. After years of studying, earning his Doctorate of Medicine at Wayne State University, and years of hard work, Jeffrey built his private practice as a pediatrician, serving the community of Adrian for ten years. Undeterred by the beginnings of hearing loss, he earned a master’s in International Public Health from Johns Hopkins University and completed an epidemiology internship in Lansing. For his final career move, he took up what his children had always known him to love: teaching. He was a professor of anatomy and physiology, inspiring students for ten years at Jackson College. One student on RateYourProfessor.com stated it well, “Dr. Pollet is prolly the coolest nerd in the world.”
Jeff was a man of many hobbies that included beautiful woodworking, bountiful gardens, and the ability to fix just about anything. If something broke and he didn’t know how to fix it, he would figure it out–way before YouTube! His ingenuity was remarkable. He did auto bodywork, starting with a 1967 Datsun convertible (the same little red car that first turned the head of his future wife) and more recently rebuilding the body of the family Sebring Convertible.
His greatest “hobby,” though, was having adventures with his children. His family will always remember his sense of humor, his limitless knowledge (which he liberally shared with anyone who would listen–or even those who would sit still long enough!), and his love for the outdoors. Lake Michigan sunsets were his “zen,” which gave him hope each evening. We will forever carry that warmth in our hearts.
As a young person, Jeff began his spiritual journey in the tradition of the Catholic Church. His faith was fanned into flames during college when he further explored Christianity; he asked a friend, “If I decide to follow Christ, what’s in it for Him?” His friend answered, “You!” Jeff would tell you that his heart was changed right then, and he began to trust in God’s unconditional love to guide his life. In everything he did, he carried the love of Christ to those around him. His vestibular condition brought on many limitations over the past four years, yet Jeff never doubted that he would someday be healed. We are consoled in the knowledge that he is now whole, hearing all the heavenly sounds and dancing without a single dizzy spell.
The family will receive visitors on Thursday, May 13, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at Pillar Church in Holland. A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 14, at 11:00 a.m. Please come as you are. Jeff would want everyone to feel comfortable! Facial coverings are required during the visitation and funeral. After the service, a celebration of life will be held to remember Jeff.
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