Arthur Pollard

*ARTHUR POLLARD* Former University of Arizona football star and horse racing legend, Arthur Pollard, died on September 8th, 2008 at age 86. Growing up in the small town of Royse City, Texas, Art excelled in athletics and received a football scholarship to Texas A&M. In addition to football, Art took up boxing and became a Texas Golden Gloves champion. In the midst of his sophomore year, Pearl Harbor was attacked and Art immediately enlisted in the US Navy. At the conclusion of World War II, he transferred to the U. of A. and resumed his collegiate football career. In 1946, despite playing in only 4 games due to injury, Art was honored as an All American by the Associated Press. His achievements included scoring 3 touchdowns in a 67-0 triumph over rival Arizona State College (later known as ASU). Following the conclusion of the 1947 season, Art was drafted by the Washington Redskins. However, the serious injuries he'd already incurred prevented him from accepting their offer. Art had an extraordinary affinity for animals, especially horses. Upon entering the horse racing business, he achieved almost immediate success. His numerous champions included; Lightning Bar, Spotted Bull, Arizonan and Hula Girl. In 1960 he sold his renowned Lightning A Ranch, located on Tucson's Eastside, and moved his operation further south to Sonoita. Art retired from racing in the early 1980's and has since received several lifetime achievement awards from the American Quarter Horse Association. Retirement afforded him the opportunity to travel the world with his wife, Harriette. Married in 1959, Art and Harriette remained in Sonoita until 1991 when they moved to Roche Harbor, off the Northwest coast of Washington State. Art enjoyed the next few years fishing and boating among the San Juan Islands. In 2000, Art and Harriette came back to Tucson, the city he always treasured. He spent his remaining years in the company of family, friends and his beloved Pugs. A unique and wonderful man who lived a charmed life, Art will be greatly missed by his family and all those who knew him well. He is survived by his devoted wife of 49 years, Harriette Pollard; his children, Sam and Daisy, and grandchildren, Dakota, Catherine and Sydney. In accordance with his wishes, no service will he held. In lieu of flowers, his family requests that any of Art's old friends, who so desire, present a contribution in his name to the Arizona Pug Rescue Network, 1106 N. Gilbert Rd., #2-PMB 192, Mesa, AZ 85203.