New Year’s Eve: Closing early at 2 PM | New Year’s Day: Closed all day
Reflecting on my long career as a trust officer, there are a few clients whose stories continue to resonate with me—clients who remind me why this work matters. One such client was a World War II veteran I first met in 2011. To respect his privacy, I will refer to him as DH North.
Mr. North had a comprehensive estate plan in place, thoughtfully prepared by his attorney many years earlier through a living trust. At the time we met, he was 94 years old—widowed, childless, and living modestly in an assisted living facility. Though he had accumulated substantial wealth over his lifetime, he had no immediate family to lean on. His attorney had wisely recommended naming Oregon Pacific Bank as the successor trustee of his trust, and Mr. North contacted me to discuss the bank’s potential role in carrying out his wishes.
I visited him at his residence. He greeted me warmly, and his apartment was tidy and pleasant. Yet, I noticed something troubling: he was barefoot, and his feet were alarmingly swollen. He explained, somewhat sheepishly, that none of his shoes fit anymore. That small detail spoke volumes about his day-to-day struggles.
During our visit, he shared stories of his military service—four years in the U.S. Army from 1941 to 1945. He had served in Algeria, Morocco, Sicily, Rome, France, and the Rhineland. His service had earned him multiple decorations, including the Bronze Service Arrowhead, the European-African-Middle Eastern Theatre Service Medal, and five Overseas Service Bars.
But despite his valor, Mr. North was facing the quiet, isolating challenges of old age. He lacked transportation, struggled to manage his medical appointments and prescriptions, and was overwhelmed by financial tasks such as bill payments, tax filings, and checkbook balancing. He was also lonely—something no legal document could remedy.
Together, we agreed that it was time for Oregon Pacific Bank to step in as successor trustee. After formalizing the transition, I began addressing his most immediate needs. I purchased shoes designed for his condition, coordinated professional in-home care, scheduled medical appointments, and set up a personal allowance for outings and dining. In the weeks that followed, I witnessed a remarkable transformation. Mr. North regained a sense of vitality and joy. His outlook brightened—his dignity restored.
Eighteen months later, Mr. North called to request a meeting. With a beaming smile, he informed me that he had fallen in love with his caregiver and intended to marry her. At age 96, he was still lucid, determined, and emotionally vibrant. He asked me to help arrange a meeting with his attorney to amend his trust in anticipation of this new chapter.
As his fiduciary, I faced a delicate ethical and professional dilemma. While we honored his autonomy, I had concerns. I consulted with legal counsel, who conducted a discreet investigation. The results were troubling: the caregiver was already married, and her husband had a history of fraud.
I approached Mr. North with great care, sharing the findings as gently and respectfully as possible. He was devastated—but also deeply grateful. He appreciated the oversight and understood that our intent was to safeguard his best interests. While we supported his right to make personal decisions, we worked diligently behind the scenes to ensure his financial and emotional well-being.
Mr. North passed away peacefully in his home in 2017. His trust assets were distributed according to his wishes—to distant relatives and charitable organizations he held dear. He was a remarkable man, and it was a privilege to serve him.
