Resident, Local Veterinarian Dr. Murray Alfred Pollack, a longtime resident and beloved veterinarian who founded Blue Cross Pet Hospital on La Cruz in the early 1960s, passed away on December 13. He was 88. Born on December 19, 1918 in New York City, Murray lived in upstate New York and in Ohio before graduating from Wayne State University as a pre-med student. During World War II, he was drafted into the Army and served as a medic for the 39th Infantry Regiment under General George Patton in North Africa and later in Europe. For his outstanding courage and service, Murray received the Silver Star, a Purple Heart, the Belgian Fourragere, six campaign stars, and other badges and awards. After the war, Murray graduated from the Kansas State Veterinary School and decided it was time to move west. In 1949, he visited Los Angeles to take the State Veterinarian Board exam, and he moved here after receiving word that he passed. Romance struck when he met Bea Steinberg at a ballroom dance. ‘He seemed like such a fine gentleman!’ she said later, and he remarked, ‘She was the greatest looking gal in the whole place!’ They were married in 195l and had two children, Gale and Neal, who both graduated from Palisades High. By 1954, Murray and Bea had opened a veterinary clinic in a storefront on Swarthmore (next to LeMay Cleaners), and in 1962 they built the town’s first pet hospital. When the hospital proved successful, they moved out of their apartment on Sunset and bought a home in Marquez Knolls. They also became members of Kehillat-Israel temple. Despite the town’s small-town atmosphere, Murray’s Blue Cross Pet Hospital had clients such as Audrey Hepburn, Joan Rivers and Ronald and Nancy Reagan. He sold the business to Debbie Oliver, DVM, in 1998. Murray was a kind, gentle and intelligent person who appreciated music, good humor and family. While some of our heroes spend a lot of time talking, Murray was a true hero who spent all of his time doing. His primary interest was spending a lifetime quietly helping others, both humans and pets. Although the last year of his life was difficult, he exhibited strength, courage and a determination to live on and be with those he loved. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Beatrice; his son, Neal (wife Patricia) of Torrance; his daughter, Gale Pollack of West L.A.; and his adoring granddaughter, Danielle Pollack. Funeral services were held on December 17 at Hillside Memorial Park. The family suggests that donations can be made to stem-cell research.
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