Rodney Gene PollardOn May 18, 2011, Rodney Gene Pollard passed away at home after a long battle with arthritis and pulmonary problems.He was born Sept. 18, 1931 in Sandy, Utah to Glenn O. and Ebba Eleanor Bills Pollard. He grew up in South Ogden attending the old Birch Creek Elem. And the old Riverdale Jr. High, He graduated from the old Weber High in 1949. While in high school Rod played football, ran track and boxed. He graduated from Weber College and Utah State Univ. with a degree in Education. He was on the Weber College football team for two seasons.Rod married Ella Carmen Wright June 4, 1953 in the Logan LDS Temple. They settled in Riverdale in 1972. Rod taught school in northern California for 10 years, in Temple View, New Zealand 4 years, Syracuse Elem. 5 years and South Weber Elem. 19 years retiring in 1996 after 38 years of teaching. He was a dedicated teacher and loved his many students.Rod was in the National Guard and U.S. Army. As a member of the U.S. Forest Service he fought fires in the Eldorado Forest during summers while living in California. He had several second jobs over the years, one of his favorites was being a projectionist at the Cinedome 70 Theater and Riverdale Drive-In.He was a member of the LDS church and served in the Great Lakes Mission. Rod loved the Church and served in many different callings including 3 times in the bishopric and as a temple ordinance worker and officiator.Rod loved his family very much. He was also devoted to his many various pets. He respected all animal life and rescued many animals over the years. He had a multitude of interests including: books, gardening, college football, hiking, boxing, art, music, cowboy poetry, talk radio, photography, airplanes, and carpentry to name a few.He is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Ella Carmen Pollard and eight children: Cheryl Louis, Andrea Pollard, Mark (Stephanie) Pollard, Brian (Karen) Pollard, Kathryn Crane, Nathan (Natalie) Pollard, Tamara (Randy) Anderson, and Jeanette Hurst; one sister Patsy (Alan) Johnson, and two brothers Gary (Dana) Pollard and Steven (Anna) Pollard; 13 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren, with twin boys on the way. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Don, and one granddaughter, Eve Louis. Funeral services will be at the Riverdale 2nd Ward Chapel, 5500 S. 1175 W. , Tuesday May 24, 2011 at 1 p.m. Friends may visit family from 11:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m. prior to services. A viewing will be held on Monday, May 23 from 6-8 p.m. at Leavitts Mortuary 836 36th St., Ogden. Interment at Aultorest Memorial Park.Many thanks to all the doctors, nurses, paramedics, and hospice staff that have cared for Rod over the years. Also thanks to the staff of McKay-Dee Hospital and Pine View Rehabilitation Center. Special thanks to Jason Eaton (Hospice Nurse) for going beyond the call of duty and Amber Poll (Rods former student) of Caring Hands Hospice for the tremendous care and support given to Rod and to all of us.In lieu of flowers please make a contribution to your favorite charity.Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.leavittsmortuary.com Visitation Information Date: Tuesday, May 24, 2011 Time: 11:30 pm - 12:30 pm Riverdale 2nd Ward Address: 5500 South 1175 West , , Riverdale, UT, | Map Service Information Date: Tuesday, May 24, 2011 Time: 1:00 pm - Riverdale 2nd Ward Address: 5500 South 1175 West , , Riverdale, UT, | Map