Martinez, California

Lifetime Bay Area resident Edward M. Downer III, better known as Eddie, passed away peacefully at his home on January 7th. He was 90.

A loving family man who befriended virtually everyone he met throughout his life, Eddie was a master of relationships and passionate about giving back through business and personal means to the community he cherished.

Eddie was born in San Francisco on September 4, 1934, and raised across the bay inthe small community of El Cerrito. He attended high school at the San Rafael Military Academy. He went on to earn a degree in Sociology from Stanford University and always cherished returning to The Farm for football games as an alumnus. As well, he proudly served in the Naval Reserves.

Eddie loved sports and was a great athlete. Early on, he was an extraordinary baseball pitcher and, at one point, was an accomplished, low single-digit index golfer. He had the good fortune of happily playing golf well into his eighties, with his last round being in Kona, Hawaii.

Widely known and respected for his more-than-50-year tenure at Mechanics Bank, Eddie was a leader, mentor and friend to everyone in the organization. He served as the Bank’s President and CEO from 1971 to 1981 and was Chairman of the Board from 1981 to May 2010. He held the title of Chairman Emeritus until his retirement in December 2013.

Eddie’s admiration and respect for his work colleagues were legendary. Desiring to preserve the Bank’s family-like culture as the organization grew, he punctually and routinely recognized every employee’s birthday and work anniversary with a personal phone call. His calls became a highly anticipated and relished tradition, appreciated by employees and Eddie alike. He was a true gentleman.

Local philanthropy and community reinvestment were also important to the Bank’s employees and Eddie, who once said, “People don’t realize, but being in the banking business puts you in a position to help people.” Eddie persevered to ensure that the Bank’s long history of community service continued its upward trajectory. In addition to embracing numerous Bank-sponsored programs, he personally served on dozens of non-profit boards for many years.

Fond of travel, Eddie visited many countries, but Japan held a special place in his heart, particularly in the springtime when the cherry blossoms were on full display.

He was also fond of taking on new hobbies. The study of wine was near and dear to him and he enjoyed exploring viticultural regions around the world. He also loved fly fishing with family and friends. And appreciating all forms of music, he always had a song in his heart.

Eddie loved his family, with whom trips and holidays delivered indelible memories and joy. He is survived by Yoshimi, his loving wife of 36 years who took great care of him, notably in his later years. He is also survived by his three sons, two daughters-in-law, four grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Easy on the curves, Eddie. We love and miss you.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held on alater date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that adonation be made to acharity of your choice.