Donald Howard Pollard

Donald Howard Pollard was born on February 28, 1931 to Joseph and Lois Pollard (nee Langworthy) in Hanford, California. He was the youngest of three boys, preceded by Darrell and Dale Pollard. The family eventually moved to Fresno where he worked as a youngster shining shoes at the military base in Pinedale while attending school. Dad also helped support himself and his family by selling the Fresno Bee. Dad also had many fond memories visiting his grandfather’s ranch west of Fresno where his grandmother would prepare grand feasts at family holiday gatherings.

Dad attended Roosevelt High School in Fresno where he enjoyed athletics and had many friends. One underclassman, Peggy Peterson eventually caught his eye and the two were married in 1955. Donald also served in the US Coast Guard during the Korean War. Dad also enjoyed singing, and was active at the old First Methodist Church in downtown Fresno where he sang in the choir.

Early in their marriage Don was involved in real estate, but after limited success decided to work for his Uncle Langworthy as a paving contractor. As he grew in his experience he eventually started his own contracting business, Sequoia Paving, and later Sierra Pacific Paving.

Donald also had two children, Scott (1959) and Sally (1961). They enjoyed family trips to the Sierras, the coast and summer vacations all across the western United States. Donald was involved with Scott in scouting, home remodeling and sharing family times during holidays and get-togethers where he was always jovial and fun-loving.

Although Donald and Peggy were divorced in 1981, he remained a committed father. He was also married to Ellen Reilly in 1989, but were divorced in 1994. Dad also eventually became involved in car sales, where he developed many close friends over the years.

Donald is survived by his wives (Peggy Pollard and Ellen Reilly), brothers (Darrell and Dale and their children) and his own children, Scott Pollard and his wife Karie of West Allis, Wisconsin, and Sally Reno and her husband Barney Reno of Discovery Bay, California. Donald also greatly enjoyed 5 grandchildren (Marissa, Jordan, and Annelise Pollard; and Ashley and Christie Reno).

A Graveside service will be held at Belmont Memorial Park on Saturday, May 7, 2011 at 11:00 am.

Arrangements under the direction of Lisle Funeral Home, Fresno, CA.