Wednesday, July 22, 2026
To Our Friends, Our Bank Family, Our Community,
On behalf of our entire family, including my mother, my sister, our children, and our extended family, I want to express our deepest gratitude for the incredible outpouring of love, prayers, stories, and support following the passing of my father.
The kindness our family has experienced over the past week has been overwhelming in the best possible way. Every text, visit, phone call, meal, hug, prayer, social media post, and shared memory has reminded us just how many lives Dad touched throughout his lifetime.
While our hearts are heavy with the loss of the man we knew as dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, friend, we have also been filled with tremendous pride as we’ve heard story after story about the difference he made in the lives of others. He believed deeply in this community, in treating people with dignity and respect, and in always doing what was right. Knowing that so many people experienced that same character and kindness gives our family great comfort.
To our employees, thank you. You were so much more than coworkers to Dad. You are an extension of our family and he genuinely cared about each of you. From birthday lunches, to Six Flags Day, to celebrating your milestones, whether personal milestones or professional, to one of his favorite days of the year – the Christmas Party! – he was honored to be there with you. He knew that the people of this bank were its greatest strength and was proud of each of you. Thank you for the compassion you’ve shown our family, for continuing to serve our customers with excellence during this difficult time, and for honoring Dad’s legacy through your dedication and professionalism.
To our customers, and the entire community, thank you for placing your trust in our family and in our bank over so many years. Dad never viewed banking as simply a business. For him, it was always about people. Helping families, supporting local businesses, serving neighbors, and truly investing in the future of the community. Your friendship and trust meant the world to him. Although our family is grieving, we are also filled with hope because we know the values that Dad lived by will continue to guide us. His legacy of “Doing Good” is our purpose today, and will continue to be our mission tomorrow.
From the bottom of our hearts, as it says in every single Bank of Washington Valentine’s Day Ad, thank you. Thank you for standing by our family during this difficult time. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your stories. Thank you for loving Dad.
With gratitude,
Buzz Eckelkamp
On behalf of the entire Eckelkamp Family
