In Loving Memory of Tom Polacca
(1935 - 2003)
It is amazing to see so many
people gathered here in honor of Tom Polacca - but I would have
expected nothing less. As all of you know, Thomas was an incredibly
influential man. His influence reaches far and wide in the fields
of art and academics, as well as politics, tradition, and religion.
It seemed like every time
I saw Thomas, he was wearing a different hat - literally: gifts
given to him by the many people who called him friend. Figuratively,
Thomas truly was "a man of many hats."
Leader. Teacher. Father.
Artist. Brother. Mentor. Innovator. And the list goes on
and on. He was all of these and more - he was a friend. Thomas
was one of the greatest influences in my life. He was a great
example.
He was a family man. Everything
he did, he did for his family. He and his wife were inseparable.
I know that she was his inspiration - they were never apart.
As a teacher, he made you
think. He forced you to take a look at yourself - an honest
look that made you reevaluate your priorities.
One of the things I heard
him say most often was that he was a "realist." It
was evident that he only cared about the things that really mattered,
and being the people-person and great leader that he was - I
know that it was "his" people that mattered most.
I know that he cared for everyone individually and he worried
about the problems of others.
He took his role as a father
and grandfather seriously. Nothing meant more, and incredibly
he played an active role in each individual life.
It is amazing to me that his
heart and mind were big enough to include others outside his
culture in that "family circle." It is something for
which I will be forever grateful.
Prior to his passing, I became
consumed with sorrow and regret - already missing a man who had
not yet left us. I wished for one more evening spent in the
warm summer months, sitting under the stars and philosophizing
with a man who seemed to truly possess the wisdom of the ages.
But he never let on. He would never boast of himself, except
when in jest - and in these times, it was the satirical and sarcastic
clown who was trying to teach us a lesson.
Then suddenly I realized that
I had much for which to rejoice. Although Tom was moving on,
his journey here at an end, I had been given something timeless
- something priceless, and something which could never by taken
away or replaced. I had been given the gift of his friendship
and love - the kind that a father shares with his son.
I suspect that Thomas shared
this gift with all - and yet he was capable of making each one
feel as though they were the only person in the world with whose
cares he was concerned.
Tom always had time. Truth
of the matter is - he made time. He was never too busy to take
time to chat and he always listened sincerely. This was evident
in the carefully thought out and well put advice that he so caringly
gave. It may not always have been what you wanted to hear, but
it was what he honestly thought would do you good.
Tom always practiced what
he preached, and he despised hypocrisy. He never held anyone
to a standard higher than his own. He was a truth seeker and
a truth teacher. This fact is probably no more evident than
in the lives of his children - each of whom, with their feet
planted on solid ground, have faced life's challenges and weathered
the storms faithfully and courageously. Throughout the years,
they've echoed a similar sentiment: that they're grateful for
all he's taught them and that without his teaching, example,
and encouragement they would not be who they are. I add my gratitude
to theirs with that same appreciation for what he taught me.
Because of him, I hope I am a better, more thoughtful, kinder,
and more caring man.
As a young missionary almost
8 years ago, I first came to these Hopi mesas. Naively I thought
I had much to teach, but in retrospect I realize I had much to
learn. Tom was eager to point this out to me and quickly removed
what he called "the chip" from upon my shoulder. A
teacher-student relationship ensued, and I became captivated
by his discerning spirit, his intelligence, his beautiful artwork,
and his well-earned wisdom. I soon recognized that this seemingly
simple Hopi-Tewa possessed qualities, characteristics, and attributes
that I admired and even envied. I began to see him as a mentor.
As a Latter-day Saint, I recognized
truth in his way of life and that aspects of his tradition were
indistinguishable from my own. He embodied many of the things
I hoped for and believed in. I then knew why it was so easy
for him and his forbears to embrace the gospel and encourage
their children in this way. Thomas often said that to live a
Christ-like life was to be "Hopi," and that Hopi was
more than just the color of your skin: it was a way of life.
In that way, I sensed that a part of me could be "Hopi"
too. It is the same idealistic society and community that we
learn of in the scriptures. It is a way of life for all the
children of the creator - for all the children of God.
I know that Thomas had an
earnest relationship with his Father-in-Heaven. I know that
he prayed diligently for his family, for his people, and for
all mankind. Perhaps one of his most recognizable attributes
was his stubbornness - but he stubbornly stood for what he believed
in; he stood for truth - and for this, whether his views were
embraced or not, he was respected.
His associates and peers seemed
to always seek his advice, even when they had disagreed with
him in the past. When important assignments were made or critical
issues arose, whether it was tribal or traditional politics,
or the affairs of the school board, Tom's opinion was considered
and respected, and his insight was amazing as he often predicted
correctly the outcome.
Another great attribute of
Tom Polacca was his ability to mediate, arbitrate, and diplomatically
resolve a conflict - often by way of his sense of humor. There
was hardly a time he wouldn't sharpen his wit against my brow,
as we would all exchange a good laugh. I can still see the smirk
on his face and hear the mischievous chuckle that somehow seemed
to alleviate everything.
With his art, as with everything
else, he was original. He was an innovator and refused to conform
to others' standards. He had his own vision for everything
in life, and he expressed it perfectly in his pottery. His vessels
can almost be seen as a metaphor of his life through the years
- starting out simply and evolving into something different,
something polished, something grand, and something strong. He
was never afraid to stand behind his work - he believed in it
and cherished the freedom it gave him. He never pretended to
be anyone or anything he wasn't. As one of the first to pioneer
the etched style of pottery, Thomas boldly signed using his father's
name: Polacca. Although the art stems back to his grandmother,
Nampeyo, whose name he used in the beginning - he was not afraid
to be recognized on his own, and in doing so, he carried on the
legacy of his other namesake - that of his visionary grandfather,
Tom Polacca (c. 1865-1911). In this way, he combined the best
of what his heritage had to offer and paved a way for many who
would follow.
And here we are in the town
that bears his family's name, remembering one more in a long
line of great-ones - acknowledging the unique and distinct mark
that he left on the world. He will be missed, for certain, but
more importantly he should be remembered always. May we learn
from his fortitude and may we always cherish his contributions
- and in that way, may he be alive in all of us, I pray.
Brandon Bosworth
March 4, 2003
