coach, and athletic director throughout his career, so his life was centered around health. As an educator myself, I want to honor his memory by helping others educate themselves to save lives—just as we wish we could have saved Robert's.”--Tara Polk

After Robert’s sudden death from a heart attack in 2021, an athletic scholarship was

established in his name. To keep the scholarship funded, Tara Polk created the annual

Healthy Heart Event with two main goals: to raise funds and to educate the public. This

event, held on Robert’s birthday, June 7th, serves as both a tribute to his memory and an

opportunity to raise awareness about heart attack and stroke symptoms. It’s also a fun

way to promote a healthy lifestyle while spending time with friends and family.

Tara and Robert met at the University of Puget Sound, where they were both student-

athletes. “I ran track, and Robert played football,” says Tara. They continued their education together and married when they were both 25. Reflecting on their journey, Tara says, “We married in ‘91 and moved to Central Missouri in 1994, where Robert pursued his Master’s degree and our son, Kellen, was born. After Robert graduated, we returned to Bremerton to be closer to Robert’s parents and my sisters. Later, my parents moved from California to join us, and it was here that our second child, Marin, was born.”

At age 34, Robert was hired as the Athletic Director for the Everett School District. Tara

recalls their excitement: “Robert didn’t expect to get the job. He took the interview just

for practice! But he was a natural diplomat, able to resolve many competing priorities.

He also served on local, state, and national boards advocating for student-athletes.”

Describing the day of Robert’s death, Tara recalls the shock and overwhelming emotions she felt: “We were planting a new bush in the yard when Robert began complaining of breathing difficulties and upper back pain. He felt like he couldn’t catch his breath, and his symptoms seemed consistent with a workout—nothing alarming. But when he collapsed in our bedroom, I called 911, and they instructed me to perform CPR. Fortunately, I knew CPR and worked until the fire department arrived. They told me Robert would need a stent, but he passed away before reaching the hospital. The firefighters were stunned - Robert was a healthy 54-year-old with no known underlying health issues.”

Robert’s death certificate cites hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

as the cause of death. Tara explains, “The coroner referred to it as a ‘heart attack’

because it’s a term that’s more widely understood. Robert was only 54, and it pains me

that neither of us knew what was happening with his body or recognized the warning signs. Now, I know. I want to ensure that others are better educated than we were that day.”

Tara has shared Robert’s story with friends, family, and community members over the years, witnessing firsthand how the knowledge she imparts has saved lives. “One day, our neighbor exhibited the same symptoms Robert had,” she says. “Recognizing the signs, his wife immediately called 911. Today, he’s alive.”

As Tara continues to navigate the stages of grief, she is determined to rebuild her life and find a renewed sense of purpose. “It’s a challenge to be independent again after being so closely intertwined with another person for so long,” she admits. “But I know I must find my purpose. I wanted to keep Robert’s memory alive, and since we were both educators, I couldn’t think of a better way to do that.”

Thus, she created the Healthy Heart Event, which takes place annually near Robert’s

birthday, June 7th. “Robert was modest and never liked to be in the spotlight,” Tara

explains. “So the event isn’t about him - it’s about education. The goal is to provide

important information. We have nurses from Everett Community College offering blood

pressure checks because high blood pressure is often a key warning sign. We offer CPR training, and a PE teacher brings bicycles for bike safety and training classes. Yoga and puppies provide a calming, de-stressing experience. The YMCA helps promote fitness and healthy lifestyle choices. Providence Hospital educates attendees about heart attack and stroke symptoms, and the American Heart Association contributes helpful information as well.”

“At first, my mission was to ensure that every 54-year-old man understood the symptoms of heart attacks. But through my grief, I’ve come to recognize the importance of educating everyone about both heart attack and stroke symptoms—and how to respond,” says Tara.

Tara encourages everyone to attend this year’s Healthy Heart Event. As she shares, “It’s a fun day, with puppies to pet and vendors offering chances to win prizes. There’s no fee to attend. It’s a fantastic family event for all ages, and we’ve been blessed with great weather these past two years. Join us at Everett Memorial Stadium and kick-start your Saturday at 10 a.m. on June 7th. Although the event is now free and no longer a fundraiser, we are always accepting donations to the Robert C. Polk Memorial Athletic Scholarship.”

If you want more information, visit: healthyheartfair.com