John K. Pollard Jr.,Ph.D.

1924 - 2016

John K. Pollard Jr., PhD September 8, 1924 - March 31, 2016 La Jolla John K. Pollard Jr., PhD of San Diego, CA, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2016, at the age of 91.John was born on September 8, 1924, in Northampton, MA, where he grew up, attended school and also became an Eagle Scout. He went on to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and UMASS eventually receiving his PhD in Botany from Cornell University.After finishing his doctorate at Cornell University and teaching for a short time, he and his wife Florence packed their family of five into their 1958, 21 window, Volkswagen Bus driving across the country to Pasadena, CA, to begin his life work as a bio-chemist for Calbiochem, where he eventually was awarded many patents in the field of health and biochemistry.In the late 60's he and his partners at Calbiochem purchased 18 acres of land from the University of San Diego in a flat and mostly barren area called Torrey Pines Mesa in La Jolla, California. Welcoming them gladly, the City of San Diego rezoned the area for Research and Development and in 1971 they moved from Los Angeles into their beautiful facility on Torrey Pines Rd. in La Jolla and "The Mesa" has since become a world recognized scientific mecca.An avid book collector from early childhood, John amassed a collection of first edition Children's books comprised of works by American and English authors of the late 19th and early 20th centuries including Horatio Alger, Victor Appleton, William Baker, Gerald Breckenridge, Thornton W. Burgess, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Allen Chapman, Elmer Dawson, Fremont Deering, and many more. He donated his collection of over 2600 titles to Cal State LA in the late 1960's where it is well taken care of today.Being a lifelong investor, after retiring from Calbiochem, John became a financial consultant eventually opening his own boutique stock brokerage firm with his son Ray in Del Mar, CA, called Polpar. John and his wife Florence were avid horse racing fans beginning at Santa Anita and eventually becoming members of The Del Mar Turf Club for a consecutive 46 years.He was also a long suffering Padre and Charger fan. With his young daughter, Madeline, John attended the September 21, 1971, Padre game against Houston that went 21 innings staying the entire game just to have Padres take the loss 2 to 1.John will be remembered by all that knew him for his brilliant mind and wicked wit. He was a lifelong learner on many topics and provided funding and support for the education of his descendants. He concocted a series of family Christmas cards that are still remembered fondly by friends and family today. He edited the Calbiochem product newsletter/catalog with clever cartoons and sayings unique for its time. He spent many years as a regular at the Pasadena Ice House as a fan of the Smothers Brothers and Irish Rovers. He spent years at the La Jolla Comedy Store trading barbs with the best comedians. At one point the late Robin Williams gave him the nickname of "Mr. Tuesday Night."Preceded in death by his devoted wife of 45 years, Florence Ann, in 1992, he is survived by his five children, John III, Jared T., Ray ET, Madeline (Pollard) Eiden and Florence S. Pollard. He also has 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.A private family gathering will be held on April 20, 2016. Please sign the guest book online at legacy.com/obituaries/ lajollalight .