Washington Wizards Owner Remebered At Public Memorial

By Elliott Francis

A week after his death at age 85, Washington Wizards owner Abe Pollin was memorialized in the sports arena he created.

The memorial was open to the public and welcomed everyone from city government officials to ordinary district residents touched by Pollin's generosity. Noticeably absent was Pollin's wife of 64-years, Irene. She did however send a letter which was read by their oldest son, Robert Pollin.

"He had a good life. I had a good life with him. I always told him I liked the way he turned out. Thats from my mother," said Pollin's son.

Hall of fame guard Earl "The Pearl" Monroe says he meant to call Pollin to see how he was doing but missed the opportunity. Monroe said his friend and former boss' passing taught him a lesson.

"for all of us when we have it in our minds that there are things we want to do we should go ahead and do it cause we never know if well get the chance to do it again," said Monroe.

Much was made about Pollin's philanthropy and the arena he erected which in turn rebuilt Gallery place. Even the memorial was part charitable event with a toy drive sponsored by the family of Abe Pollin in the lobby of Verizon center.