CEO Mehran Assadi sent this notice to the National Life team on Wednesday sharing the news of the passing of one of our longtime agents.
It is with a heavy heart I share the news that today we lost my dear friend and our valued colleague Howie Polansky.
A veteran agent, Howie served the clients of National Life Group for 40 years, earnestly and carefully stewarding and sustaining business relationships that blossomed into lifelong friendships. Many of us knew and loved Howie. His huge personality, passion and unique presence was felt the moment he entered any room. His energy, intellect and command of the business was matched only by his kindness and humor. He rarely forgot a face and was a talented storyteller.
Howie served on numerous committees and was no stranger to recognition. He chaired and served for many years on the NLFA Agent’s Advisory Committee (AAC), where he contributed and shared his expertise in innovation—he was a creative thinker. Over the course of his remarkable career he qualified for Chairman’s Club 29 times and President’s Club 38 times. As a lifetime member of President’s Club, he was the first agent to be inducted into the NLFA Agents’ Hall of Fame. In 2019 he once again was recognized as the top producer for the Affiliated channel. He was accustomed to and took pride in being the top producer for many years.
While Howie’s success was impressive and sustained, his first love and priority was family. His delight in being a great father to Gail and Andrew was surpassed only by his devotion to the love of his life Judi. His appreciation and gratitude for the nicer things in life, friends, good food, tropical sunsets and music was legendary. Howie had a smile and a personality that lit up and warmed whoever had the good fortune to be in his company.
Howie leaves a legacy of business success at National Life. He leaves a lasting memory of a Good Man who loved his family, served his clients and spent his entire professional career in the spirit of ‘Do good, Be good, Make good.’ He will be deeply missed.
We extend our deepest condolences to Howie’s family and his friends. We grieve with them as we remember and celebrate a life well-lived.