Former University of Utah basketball player Pearl Pollard died Monday in Solana Beach, Calif., of a heart attack. He was 54.
Pollard moved from Montana to Utah in 1952 and quickly made his mark on the basketball court. He was an all-state player for Jordan High School and set a state tournament scoring record in 1955.The 6-foot 8-inch center then played for the University of Utah from 1957 through 1959, becoming one of the Utes' career leader in rebounds. He was the team's leading scorer during the 1958-59 season, averaging 12.5 points per game helping the Utes to a 25-7 season record and to the second round of the NCAA playoffs. That year Pollard was named the team's most inspirational player.
Pollard is survived by his wife, Marilyn Stout Pollard; brother, John Duntley Pollard; children, Alan, Carl, Lyne, Mark, Neal and Scot; and four grandchildren.
Services will be held at the LDS ward at 2742 W. 14400 South in Bluffdale. Friends and family may call between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Friday. Burial will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park in Salt Lake City.
Contributions may be made to Pearl Pollard Memorial Fund, Solana Beach City Hall, 380 Stevens Ave., Solana Beach, Calif., 92075.