Patrick Dennis Redmond, the President and CEO of Viking Bank and a valued community member passed away this weekend. The community reacted with great sadness to hear of his death.

"This morning I was saddened to learn that Ballard has lost another of its great community members," wrote Beth Miller from the Ballard Chamber of Commerce in an email. "Pat was not only a leader in the company, but a leader in the community as well. He was a warm and friendly man who, despite his role, was very approachable and personable. Pat always had a great smile and cheery hello when you'd see him at various events around town. He also believed in and loved Ballard. His participation and support will be greatly missed by many local organizations, including the Ballard Chamber."

"This was a really good man. Truly a gentle soul" said Patrick Robinson from the West Seattle Herald. "He would, on the birthday of every employee, send them a personal message thanking them. The Viking Bank has lost a good man...very very sad to learn of his passing."

"I am sad this morning. I am sure all the Viking Bank employees are feeling the loss of a good guy," said Richard Sherman.

Redmond's family wrote the following obituary:

Patrick Dennis Redmond, President and CEO of Viking Bank and respected community leader, died at his Bellevue home on January 15th, surrounded by his family and in the arms of his wife, Ann.   Pat was a loving father and husband, a treasured friend and an example of warmth, generosity and integrity.  The joy he found in his family, his work and his community was evident to all who knew him. 

Pat was born in Roseburg Oregon to Joanne & Don Redmond and grew up in Tumwater, Washington.  He graduated from Tumwater High School in 1973 and from Washington State University in 1977 where he met and married Ann.

Pat and Ann were blessed with two wonderful daughters, Molly born in 1987 and Kelly in 1990.  Pat’s highest priority was always his family, often bragging he was the luckiest man in the world to have his ‘sorority of girls at home’.  When Molly’s fiancé Bryan and Kelly’s husband AJ entered the family he loved them like sons.  He was very proud of them both - and thankful for how much they loved and cared for his daughters.

Pat had a long career in banking, starting with First National Bank of Oregon (later First Interstate Bank) in Portland, Oregon.  In 1983, he transferred to First Interstate Bank of Washington working in National Accounts.  After 20 years of “big banking”, Pat left to become President and CEO of Viking Bank in Ballard in 1996.  Under his mantle the bank grew in size and strength, from one branch to eight.

Pat became a true champion and leader of community banking in the region and across the nation.  Everyone fortunate enough to work with him could see his deep commitment to his employees, customers, community and the community banking industry.  As a leader he insisted on the highest quality from his team and was laced with positive enthusiasm—his favorite saying being “There is nothing more fun than having fun.”  His keen intellect, business acumen and positive personal energy made him a much sought-out advisor, mentor and friend.

His talents were recognized in his professional life in many ways.  Active in both the American Bankers Association and Washington Bankers Association, he held key leadership positions in each:  ABA Board of Directors; Chairman, ABA Community Bankers Council; Chairman, Washington Bankers Association.

Pat graduated with honors from the University of Washington’s Executive MBA program.  He also served as a Trustee of the Washington State University Foundation and his passion and love of all things WSU remained intact to his final days.

Pat was an avid golfer, and an active member of the Members Club of Aldarra.  He loved to boat and spend time cruising on Gratitude with all his Seattle Yacht Club friends. 

Pat is survived by Ann, his devoted wife of 34 years, daughter Molly and her fiancé Bryan Seeley; daughter Kelly and her husband AJ Allison-Rose (and their nearly-born son Preston), his mother Joanne Redmond, sister Terry Redmond, his sister-in-law Cheri Malara and brothers-in-law Pat Malara and Howard Bailey;  Brazilian ‘daughters’ Juliana Petribu-Gorenstein and Marina Petribu as well as his two closest friends Brian Quint and Cynthia Kranc, and the hundreds of people who were lucky enough to call Pat their friend.

A memorial will be held Friday, January 21 at 4:00 p.m. at Bell Harbor Conference Center, 2411 Alaskan Way, Seattle, Washington. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests all donations be made to the Patrick D. Redmond Scholarship Fund, at the WSU Foundation, Washington State University, PO Box 641925, Pullman, WA 99164-1925.