IN November 1958, Kenneth James Pollard, generally known as Ken, found a new meaning for his life when he became a born-again Christian.
Towards the end of his life, Ken made detailed arrangements for his own evangelical funeral, which he wanted to be described as a gospel service of good news.
In the 60s and 70s, he organised coaches to Maine Road and Wembley stadiums to hear Bil
ly Graham's Crusades. He booked every coach available in the North, and filled them.
In the Marie Curie Hospice, Bradford, shortly before his death at the age of 82, he and members of his family were watching the edition of Songs of Praise that celebrated the 25th anniversary of Billy Graham's 1984 visits to Villa Park, Birmingham, and also Sunderland.
To his delight, and everyone else's surprise, he pointed to where he could be seen on the blue podium in the middle of the arena, having been invited by Billy Graham to join him.
Ken, one of two children, was born in Bradford. He went to St Paul's School, Buttershaw, Bradford Grammar School and Archbishop Holgate School, York. He later did a great deal to help the charities supported by the Bradford Old Boys' Association.
Between 1945 and 1947 he served with the 3rd The Kings Own Hussars in Palestine, stationed in Sarfand, Afula and Athlit. He returned on a visit with his son John in the 1980s, and again in 2004 with Louise, his daughter, having been nominated for the Government initiative Hero's Return.
Ken's career started in 1942 with HM Inspector of Taxes, and after leaving the Army, he joined the Hobart Manufacturing Company. He remained there for 44 years, winning numerous sales awards while developing long-standing relationships in the catering world. Rather than retire, he spent three years with Airedale Catering Company as a consultant.
Earlier in life, Ken, as navigator, with Maurice Grass as driver, were founder members of the Airedale and Pennine Motor Club, designing difficult rallies and winning many trophies.
In 1951, Ken married Barbara Dobson who ran the business Lucille in Westgate, Bradford, with her mother Lucy. Barbara died in 1994, aged 68.
Soon afterwards, Ken was diagnosed with cancer, undergoing an operation and chemotherapy which he bore with a positive outlook. He was still driving and swimming daily at the local Cannons gym until the end of October 2008.
It was, however, 1958, which marked a turning point in Ken's life when Pat Ashe, vicar of Otley Parish Church from
1956-1964, was instrumental in bringing about his birth in Christ, as Ken called it.
He and Ashe and various others provoked a controversy which ended up in the national media when they placed a notice at the church gates which stated: "This church is for sinners only".
If it caused outrage, it also conveyed the message Pat Ashe was an evangelical minister.
Ken was churchwarden at the parish church in Otley for more than 20 years. He created the Otley Parish Church book stall, taking the books to various church events and to Otley Show and Gala.
His charitable fundraising efforts were tireless, and included much personal generosity. His will stipulates that the home he created in 1979 from a disused school should be sold, the proceeds distributed to some 75 charities. And typically, he also requested that any donations in lieu of flowers should be made to Marie Curie Hospice in Bradford.
A passionate traveller, charismatic and loyal Ken Pollard was also a life-long supporter of Bradford Bulls.
He is survived by his sister Marjorie and daughter Louise and son John and two grandchildren.
A service of thanksgiving will be held at Otley Parish Church on Wednesday, March 4, at 12.30pm (www.leelou.co.uk).
