Remembering Vernon R. Loucks, Jr.
August 8, 2021
SHB extends our deepest sympathy to the family, friends, and loved
ones of Vernon R. Loucks Jr., former CEO & Chairman of Baxter International, who sadly passed
away on Sunday, August 8, 2021. Early in his tenure as CEO, Mr. Loucks took the advice of a
trusted advisor, Sam O’Kelly to establish Baxter Credit Union (BCU). Today, 40 years later,
Sam and Vern’s vision lives on, as SHB enables employees and families to achieve their
financial goals at Baxter and many other outstanding companies.
A message from Mike Valentine, SHB President & CEO:
I’m a lucky guy in so many ways because of the wonderful people surrounding me - my family,
friends, and colleagues. At the top of that list is a member of the Modern Healthcare Hall of
Fame, the late Vernon R. Loucks, Jr. Mr. Loucks was CEO & Chairman of Baxter International and
founded Baxter Credit Union. Sadly, he passed away on Sunday, Aug 8.
Vern is well known for a lifetime of remarkable career accomplishments. He was a corporate giant
(figuratively and literally). Aside from his incredibly impressive resume, this is why I’ll
remember Vern so fondly. He was a rare find! His presence lit up the room. He engaged in genuine,
compassionate, deep conversation and always made you feel like the most important person in his
midst. Titles, roles, status didn’t matter. YOU mattered in Vern’s eyes. Without fail,
he extended sincere appreciation to others for even the smallest things.
We fished, we golfed, and we talked - regularly. I loved our conversations. Vern taught me what it
is to be a good leader and stressed that the greatest leaders are the ones who spend their time
developing others. That was something he knew from experience. The list of outstanding leaders
that Vern groomed for their own success is too long to count. I learned the most by observing him
in action. Hanging out with Vern was like having a favorite uncle and a career coach all in one
larger-than-life package!
I’ll forever be grateful for Vern’s foresight in creating Baxter Credit Union to serve
the needs of the company’s employees and their families. But I’m even more thankful
for his mentorship.
To his beautiful family, many friends, and loved ones - I’m deeply sorry for your loss. Rest
in peace, Vern. I’ll miss you every day and try to hit ‘em long and straight until we
meet again.
Vernon R. Loucks, Jr.
obituary.
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