Carlton R. Pollard

November 8, 1940 - May 1, 2020

Vulcan, MI – Carlton Reginald Pollard passed peacefully on to eternal life at his home on Friday, May 1, 2020 with his children by his side. He was born on November 8, 1940 to the late Sam and Katherine (Beaudin) Pollard in Iron Mountain, MI. He lived 79 blessed years in devotion to his faith, his family and his friends. Carlton graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1960. After graduation he joined the Navy and served from 1960-1964 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea. During his service he spent most of his time in the South China Sea during the Vietnam Era. On September 9, 1967 at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain, MI he married Judy Crantz. Together they raised their family in Iron Mountain until 2002 when they moved into Judy’s family home in Vulcan Michigan. Carlton worked as an Engineer for Chicago Northwestern Railroad from 1965-1995. He then transferred to Union Pacific Railroad until retirement in 2002. He was an active member of St. Mary and St. Joseph Church as an usher, helping with Christmas decorations and the church picnic for many years. Anyone who knew Carlton knew of his passion for golf. He was a member of Pine Grove Country Club and Oak Crest Golf Course where he was a respected tournament winning golfer and friend. His most personally gratifying achievement was winning the Pine Grove Club Championship in 1994 at the age of 53. In his retirement he loved to travel and played many courses throughout the country. Carlton is survived by his daughter Joyce (Tom) Verrette of Iron Mountain and son Ken Pollard of Omaha, NE; seven grandchildren, Kelsie (Spencer) Rohr of Lebanon, OH, Melissa Bashaw (Macrea Anderson) of Iron Mountain, Megan Bashaw of Marquette, MI, Ella and Grant Pollard of Omaha, NE and Marcus and Joseph Verrette of Iron Mountain; and four great-grandchildren, Harper and Bennett Rohr, Grady Anderson and Braelyn Wallington. He is further survived by two sisters, Joan (Lane) Perdue of Green Bay, WI and Linda Polkinghorne of Newbury Park, CA; a very good neighbor who was always there to help or visit, Donnie Curran; and several nieces, nephews and cousins who adored him. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy of 51 years, and brother-in-law Roger Polkinghorne. Dad, you were always the life of the party, the high trump of cards, and a gentleman on the golf course; a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother whose presence was always felt. The void left by your passing is immense but your stories, your funny little sayings, songs and contagious laugh will always live on in each of us. We are all so grateful for you touching our lives in such a positive way. Know that a lifetime of memories of you and the lessons you’ve taught us will live on forever. We miss you… Dad, Grandpa, Papa, Papa Bootsie, Uncle Carl. “Good night, sleep tight…” A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at St. Mary and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Iron Mountain. Fr. Janusz Romanek will officiate. Condolences to the family of Carlton Pollard may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com The Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain is in charge of the arrangements.