George Henry Cress

George Henry Cress, 74, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, died Thursday, August 18th of an extended illness. George was born to the late Earl Henry Cress and Emma Jane (Minor) Cress on October 26, 1936. George was a life-long resident of Ann Arbor, attended Ann Arbor public schools, received a bachelor degree from the University of Michigan in 1958 and served as a 1st Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He married Constance Joseph on August 30, 1958. George began his banking career in 1958 at the Ann Arbor Trust Company. He was elected to the board of directors in 1965, became President in 1969, Chief Executive Officer in 1972 and Chairman of the Board in 1987. In 1974, George was instrumental in transitioning one of the few remaining independent trust companies in the country into a full service bank. Under George’s leadership, the bank grew over the next 25 years. From its beginnings as Ann Arbor Trust Company it became Citizens Trust, Trustcorp of Michigan, Society Bank of Michigan and Key Bank. During this time, George served as President of the Michigan Bankers Association and as a delegate of the American Bankers Association. He retired in 1997 from Key Bank. Upon retirement, George became President and CEO of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. In 2000, he returned to banking to serve as Chairman of the Board of United Bank and Trust-Washtenaw. George believed giving back to the community was an important responsibility; one he exemplified his entire life. George was involved in numerous community activities. His many honors for community service and philanthropy include: Alexis de Tocqueville Society Award (United Way), Rotary

International Paul Harris Fellow, Honorary Doctorate (Cleary University). He served as Campaign Chairman of the Washtenaw United Way and President of Washtenaw United Way. He was a board member of Forest Hills Cemetery, Huron Valley Ambulance and Greater Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he served as an advisor to the University of Michigan School of Business and Ann Arbor Public School Education Foundation. George helped many non-profit organizations through his tireless fundraising efforts. George’s family and friends will remember him as a gracious gentleman. He was kind, loving, and supportive. He approached life with a “can do” attitude. George is survived by his wife of 53 years and their three children: Donald (Deborah) of Rockford, Michigan, Diane (Cress) Cabelof of Troy, Michigan and David of Ann Arbor. He is also survived by four wonderful grandchildren, Kaitlin and Stephan Cress of Rockford and Alyssa and Jenna Cabelof of Troy. George was predeceased by his brother, Donald M. Cress and sister, Nancy (Cress) van Buren. He is survived by many nieces and nephews. George was a member of Barton Hills Country Club, Ann Arbor Club, Ann Arbor Rotary, Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity and St. Andrews Episcopal Church. He enjoyed bridge, golf, duck hunting, University of Michigan athletics and family vacations. George inspired others to always give their best effort. His life was spent serving the needs of the Ann Arbor community and he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. The family greatly appreciates the respectful care and support of Huron Woods and its staff. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation or Huron Woods. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, August 21 at Muehlig funeral Chapel. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Andrews Episcopal Church at 1 p.m. on Monday, August 22.