Former Red Canoe CEO Bob Kane
Passes Away Unexpectedly
It is with a very heavy heart that Red Canoe announces
the unexpected death of former President/CEO Bob Kane at the
age of 69. Bob passed away at Southwest Washington Medical
Center on Sunday after complications from a stroke suffered on
November 27, 2016.
Throughout his career, Bob held several positions with the company, beginning as a loan interviewer in
1972 and most recently serving as the credit union’s as President/CEO from 1991 to 2009 when he retired after
37 years of service. Under Bob’s leadership, the credit union expanded their headquarters building on Broadway
to a 46,000 square foot building, adopted a state-wide field of membership to better serve the general
community, expanded from one branch to six branches in two states and facilitated the name change from
Weyerhaeuser Employees’ Credit Union to Red Canoe – a bold move that received national recognition and
facilitated rapid growth and expansion for the credit union.
As a leader, Bob was greatly appreciated by his staff, the membership and his credit union colleagues.
His door was always open and he truly emulated one of his favorite sayings, “What a great place to work”.
Bob’s infectious laugh would ring through the hallways, bringing joy and happiness to the workplace. In many
ways, this was the cornerstone of Red Canoe’s brand; an organization dedicated to the members they serve and
to having fun in the workplace. Bob’s legacy lives on at Red Canoe through the many employees he hired and
trained over the years, who embody his passion for the philosophy of credit unions and for the members they
serve.
“All of us here at Red Canoe are deeply saddened by the sudden death of our beloved former CEO and
friend, Bob Kane. Bob was a gentle and kind leader who loved his job, loved his employees and loved our
members. We’re all so grateful to have had Bob in our lives and we will deeply, deeply miss his friendship. Our
thoughts and prayers are with his family right now,” states David Spaulding, current CEO.