Former CBA chairman and retired longtime California bank executive, Ole Mettler, passed away August 14 at the age of 96. Ole served as CBA’s chairman from 1975-1976, and in 2002 was honored as the CBA’s first Distinguished Banker of the Year. After more than 50 years of service to F&M Bank of Lodi, Ole retired as chairman in 2010, a role he held since 1994. Upon his retirement he was unanimously voted to the position of chairman emeritus, an honorary and non-voting role that enabled him to serve as a community ambassador for F&M Bank, as well as an adviser to executive management. Ole held several leadership roles during his banking career including director of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco. 

Raymond Edwards, whose successful career at Glendale Federal Savings and Loan spanned more than four decades, passed away on August 11. Edwards began his career as a teller and retired as chairman, president and CEO. He actively served the savings and loan industry and held many leadership positions including director of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco, president of the California Savings and Loan League, and president of Conference of Federal Savings and Loan Associations. 

Both bankers will be deeply missed by California’s banking community.