In Memoriam: Walter Close, 73

Worked at Chase 38 Years

Walter Close, 73, passed away of cancer on February 17, 2010 in Eugene, Oregon. 

He held a master’s in business administration from Stanford University. He served in the Army and was based in Tacoma. 

Close worked with Chase for 38 years, beginning in 1962.  He joined the Africa Middle East group of the International Division in 1984 as the Operations Manager and later on led a number of country management roles in Liberia and Cameroon before those offices/branches were sold in the late 1980s. 

He then moved on to become the country manager for Luxembourg and returned to the United States in the mid-1990s, when he joined the Global Custody division.  He retired from Chase in early 2000.

He was born Feb. 13, 1937, in Indianapolis. He married Vivienne Dearman on Aug. 7, 1988, in Cameroon, West Africa, and in New York City. Survivors include his wife; a son, David of New York; a daughter, Leslie Close of New York; a brother, Jim of Indianapolis; and two grandchildren.

Memorial contributions should be made to the music program of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 3925 Hilyard St.,  Eugene, OR 97405.

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Anyone who wants to share a remembrance should write to news@chasealum.org.

From Foad Tamaddon: Walter was a long-term Chase colleague who worked in many areas of the Bank. He was known to many of us as one of the most dedicated, hardworking and helpful managers at Chase. Walter was a dear colleague and a friend, and will surely be missed.

From Martin Poole: I had the pleasure of working with Walter in several roles but the most enjoyable one was when both of us were working in Liberia. Walter was the Country Manager and I was the Operations Manager.  We were in the process of selling the branches there, so we were extremely busy and there were many demands being place on us but always, Walter remained calm and level headed. Walter could always break up the tension with a big smile and a great laugh. When I returned from Liberia after the selling of the branches, Walter was instrumental in calling people to help me find my next job. I will always be grateful for his encouragement and support.