Rusty Pollock, administrator of Islands Convalescent Center, died Friday, 4:55 p.m. in Island Hospital after a brief bout with pancreatic cancer. He was 58.

Service was Saturday at Evans Funeral Chapel in Anacortes. A memorial service is being planned on the island. Details will be published later.

He was born Ralph Goddard Pollock Jr. on July 15, 1950 in Los Angeles, Calif., the son of Ralph Goddard Pollock and the former Ruby Mohr.

Mr. Pollock was a hospital administrator on the mainland — commuting daily on the redeye ferry — before taking the helm of the Friday Harbor convalescent center.

He is survived by his wife, Rory, of Friday Harbor; and daughter, Megan, of Friday Harbor.

Mr. Pollock’s death shocked those who knew him. He was tall, lean and physically active.

Mr. Pollock was a competitive racquetball player who won his share of tournaments as a single and doubles player.

“He was a never-let-up player, even if he had a commanding lead,” said Sheriff Bill Cumming, Mr. Pollock’s doubles partner.

“That was one of the things that made playing him a lot of fun — he played the game as it should be played and that’s how he lived his life, as you’re supposed to live your life.”

Cumming said the racquetball community is “stunned” by Mr. Pollock’s death.

“He was a consummate gentleman on the court and off the court. He was very friendly in all his dealings with people. If I ever saw him mad about anything, I couldn’t tell. He was very even-keeled in his approach to work and those things that mattered to him. He was well liked and well-loved by all his racquetball partners. All of us are stunned.”

Dick Goff, president of the San Juan Lions Club, said Mr. Pollock was active in club service projects and recently gave a presentation to the Lions Club on Operation Christmas Child, which collects shoeboxes full of holiday gifts to send to children in need around the world.

“He was always kind of upbeat, taking the high road,” Goff said. “He was a very valuable member of the Lions Club and had a positive influence.”

Brad Plumb, who did remodeling work on the Pollocks’ Roulac Lane home, called Mr. Pollock “a gem of a person.”

“He was a very kind, complete, concise individual. He and his wife were always so gracious and appreciative.”

Plumb later hosted the Pollocks on his boat and enjoyed their friendship.

“I feel a great loss.”