Donald M. Anderson, 86, died on Dec. 10, 2014 at Valle Verde retirement community in Santa Barbara, Calif. after a long illness.

Don was born and raised in Madison, Minn. He attended St. Olaf College and received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota in 1950. He earned his M.B.A. from Harvard University in 1952. He was a third generation banker who blended business and personal relationships, which led to achieving a successful career as a leader in the banking industry.

He joined Northwestern National Bank in Madison, Minn. in 1958. He was promoted to the National Division of the bank, where he served as a correspondent banker. He was headquartered in Minneapolis and served banks in states throughout the upper Midwest for more than a decade.

Don was recruited by the founders of Santa Barbara National Bank in 1969 to join their small community bank, founded in 1960, and serve as president. The founders were local businessmen who deeply believed in supporting their local communities. They were impressed by Don’s Midwestern values, which formed the leadership qualities he brought to this growing community bank. Don exemplified a spirit of hard work, honesty, and candor in leading the organization. He also possessed a great love of the game of golf and excelled as a competitor in the sport, winning many trophies and making many long time friendships with his golfing buddies.

These qualities, coupled with his giving back to the community through involvement in community charitable organizations, resulted in the bank becoming well known and highly respected for contribution to the quality of life in the Santa Barbara coastal region.

Under Don’s leadership, Santa Barbara Bank and Trust gained 30% of the banking market in the greater Santa Barbara area and was recognized as the best bank in the region. Don served as president and director for two decades, and then served as Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 2000.

Don has been a leader in the community throughout his time in Santa Barbara. In 1991, he received the Man of the Year Award from the Santa Barbara Foundation. This award recognizes those who make a positive impact on the greater Santa Barbara area by volunteering their time and talents in service to local non-profit organizations.

Don served as president of the United Way of Santa Barbara County, Channel Islands YMCA, Boy Scouts of America Council, and as a director of the Rehabilitation Institute of Santa Barbara. He also served on the boards of General Telephone Company and California Lutheran University. He taught as an adjunct faculty member for ten years at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

As a banker, Don was a leader in the banking industry serving on the board of the California Bankers Association, and as president of the Western Independent Bankers Association.

In 2006, Don received the Carlson School of Management’s Outstanding Achievement Award at the University of Minnesota.

Don was a man known for always speaking with honesty and candor. He would listen closely to what was being said and had the ability to ask just the right questions in order to get to the heart of the situation. His unassuming yet highly competitive nature, balanced by a quick wit and sharp sense of humor, provided him with a competitive advantage in the business arena and endeared him to all who knew him.

One of his favorite quotes, borrowed from his banker father, was “Hitch your wagon to a star, but be sure you tie the knot”.

Don is survived by his wife, Christine Anderson, daughter, Elizabeth French, and two nieces. He was pre-deceased by his first wife, Marvel C. Anderson, and their daughter, Karen. Donations in his memory may be made to Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care in Santa Barbara.