Retired banker investing in his community

Everett McDonough is a man who never stops reading. He routinely reads about 200 books a year. He has settled on a favorite spot in his lovely living room surrounded by family portraits and mementos to enjoy all his books. There are plenty of regular books, but I noticed that a Kindle and smartphone were at his fingertips. Ev has certainly kept up with the technology of the day as attested to by the beautiful classical music courtesy of Pandora emanating from his Sonos speakers system.

Born in 1934, his family moved to Yonkers, NY in 1935. He was raised in the neighborhood of Bryn Mawr and attended public schools. Ev received his BA in Economics and History at Cornell University.

While at Cornell, he was in the Air Force ROTC. Ev served as a commissioned officer after graduation working as an Aircraft Navigator in the Air Force. After his discharge, he was fortunate enough spend a summer as a tour guide throughout Europe for the children of a close family friend.

Returning to the US, Ev earned an MBA at Columbia University and was immediately hired by Security First National Bank of Los Angeles. After graduation in the early 60s, he came out to California and eventually settled in the Pasadena area. More schooling was ahead as he attended Pacific Coast Banking School in the University of Washington, Seattle on behalf of the bank. He graduated with honors from the three-year summer program.

Ev’s father, who has a PhD in Organic Chemistry instilled into him the importance of giving back to your community. Taking it to heart, Ev became involved with the Pasadena Jr. Chamber, and both the Los Angeles and Pasadena Rotary Clubs. His boss was the National Chairman of American Red Cross and Ev was fortunate to work closely with him on several projects.

Ev loved his work and had a successful career in banking. He was told once that his successes were not from luck, but that he was able to use experiences that came his way. He retired from Security Pacific Bank as a Sr. Vice President.

After retirement, he stayed in the Pasadena area until he discovered Red Bluff while visiting friends. He moved north shortly afterward. Ev immediately jumped into activities and associations with both feet. In fact, he began attending the Red Bluff Rotary Club meetings before he even moved to the area.

Other areas of interest include the Friends of the library, SIRS (Seniors in Retirement), St. Elizabeth Development Committee, Tehama Concert Series, P.E.T.S., Board member of The Grove and my personal favorite – where I became acquainted with Ev: Tehama County Tax-Aide program, that he has headed up for the past several years. He is also very active in the Presbyterian Church.

Knowing Ev, there are probably many other involvements as well. He did mention that it might be time for him to cut back and slow down a bit – we’ll see how that goes.

In 2008, Ev was named ‘Senior Citizen of the Year’ at the annual Farm/City night. Ev loves animals and is the personal valet of his three cats. He thinks he owns them, but the cats know better. Everywhere Ev goes he changes and enriches the community around him.

When asked why he is so involved, he responded, “There’s no limit to what can be accomplished if it doesn’t matter who gets the credit. I appreciate the opportunities that are here and I feel an obligation to give back to the community.

Has your world been touched by dementia? My recent book, “Finishing Well: Finding Joy in the Journey”, is a collection of stories and  tips about doing life with my Mama. May it encourage and inspire you to find the joy in your own, unique journey.

Find our group on Facebook