Ernest W. Pollman

Ernest William Pollman, 82, of Indian Lake, NY, passed away on April 10, 2026, after a courageous battle with prostate cancer. Born on November 3, 1943, in Dolgeville, NY, Ernie arrived just minutes after his twin sister, Eileen (Pollman) Bentley.

Ernie graduated from Lake George High School in 1961 and went on to attend Buffalo State, where he discovered the Buffalo Bills, becoming a rabid, lifelong fan, and met his “Buff State Beaut,” Claire Lawrence. They married shortly after their graduation in 1966 and shared 53 years of partnership, adventure, and devotion before her passing in 2019.

Ernie began his 32‑year career teaching Technology at Gates–Chili Middle School in 1966. A natural educator with endless patience and a knack for making learning hands‑on and fun, he missed only five days of work in more than three decades.

Ernie believed deeply in community and rarely encountered an organization he didn’t want to strengthen. He was active in Rotary International, public libraries, Ham radio groups, the Gates Chili Federal Credit Union, the Holley Planning Board, the Indian Lake Blue Mountain Lake Fish & Game Club, and the Indian Lake Snowarriors. If there was a way to help, he found it, and he was always the first to jump in with both feet.

A man of diverse talents, Ernie was a skilled beekeeper and ceramist, and he approached both with the same mix of curiosity and craftsmanship that defined his life. He was an outdoor enthusiast and was always up for an adventure. He enjoyed snowshoeing, racing across the lake on his homemade ice boat, skiing, paddling, hiking, snowmobiling, battling bogs on the lake and admiring nature. He may have even sledded down the ski hill in a kayak! He was also an avid traveler, logging more than 100,000 miles with his family in their motorhome. Together they visited 43 states and much of Canada, collecting memories, stories, and the occasional spare part along the way.

Ernie was the ultimate fix‑it man. He could repair or build anything he came across, guided by a remarkable ability to see potential in every object—especially those rescued from the dump. His workshop, garages, sheds, basements, attics, and driveways overflowed with tools, treasures, and more vehicles and belongings than one could shake a stick at. Each item had a story, and a purpose (or at least a future purpose he was sure would reveal itself). He was the man who could make something out of nothing!

After retiring, Ernie again settled in Indian Lake, NY, where he spent the first 10 years of his life. He found deep joy living on his beloved Adirondack Lake and delighted in sharing its beauty with everyone who visited—whether for a quiet morning paddle, a long conversation in the driveway, some ice cream, or a tour of his wood piles and the various projects he had underway.

Ernie is survived by his daughter Jennifer; his son Ernest Jr.; his twin sister Eileen; granddog Rondack; many nieces and nephews and countless friends who became family. Ernie’s life was rich with purpose, generosity, a deep appreciation for the world around him, and an unwavering commitment to the people and places that he loved. His legacy lives on in the countless people he taught, helped, inspired, and loved.

In keeping with Ernie’s wishes, there are no calling hours or funeral services scheduled.

Memorial contributions in Ernie’s memory can be made to the Holley Rotary Club (c/o Christopher Mitchell Funeral Home 16650 State Rt 31, Holley, NY, 14470, Attn: Josh) or the Adirondack Community Foundation (PO Box 288, Lake Placid, NY 12946)

To share a special memory of Ernie, please visit: www.mitchellfamilyfuneralhomes.com