Douglas J. Pokorney was born on May 22, 1942 in Ithaca, New York. He served in the United States Navy as a Boiler Technician on the Charles H. Roan from November 20, 1961 until he was honorably discharged on March 29, 1966. Doug was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2004 as a result of his exposure to asbestos-containing insulation through the repair and maintenance of steam boilers, valves, pumps and other equipment onboard the Roan. Doug was a client of our firm. He lost his long battle with mesothelioma, and passed away on September 23, 2009.

After Doug completed his military service, he attended the Porterville Shoeing School and Lester Hollenbeck’s Farrier School. For over forty years, he shoed horses in his hometown of Ithaca, New York. Doug was also a notable member of the American Farriers Association, and he provided guidance to many farrier students at Cornell University.

In honor of her late husband, Denise Pokorney has established a scholarship fund endowment for students enrolled in the farrier course at Cornell. Doug was passionate about his horses and the time he spent giving presentations at numerous conventions and horse shows throughout the country. By establishing the farrier program scholarship fund in her husband’s name, Denise hopes to perpetuate his dedication to the education of farriers.

The Douglas J. Pokorney Scholarship will pay full tuition for one deserving student each fall semester. The scholarship has been partially funded by the auction of Doug’s equipment and supplies and by donations from friends, farriers and several manufacturers and suppliers in the farrier industry. Denise Pokorney has financed the remaining balance to complete the fund.

The scholarship selection committee, including Denise Pokorney, Steve Kraus, Dierk Terlouw and Dr. William Horne, has selected Condell Hughes as the first student to receive the Pokorney Scholarship. He is currently in his first semester at Cornell University. Mr. Hughes was born and raised in St. Croix, Virgin Islands, where he was employed at a race track.