Senate Resolution No. 3278

BY: Senator KENNEDY

MOURNING the death of Robert G. Wilmers, legendary
banking leader, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his Buffalo community

WHEREAS, It is with feelings of deepest regret that this Legislative
Body records the passing of Robert Wilmers, a preeminent citizen whose
distinguished public service and caring commitment will long serve as
standards to which others might aspire; and

WHEREAS, Robert G. Wilmers of New York City passed away on Saturday,
December 16, 2017, at the age of 83; and

WHEREAS, Robert G. Wilmers will fondly be remembered as an advocate
for Buffalo, New York, and an inspiring visionary; he had the uncanny
ability to bring together leaders from different walks of life to push
for change in the region; he truly believed that a bank can only do as
well as the community it serves; and

WHEREAS, Born in New York City, Robert G. Wilmers spent his
childhood in Belgium; upon his return to the United States, he attended
Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire; after graduating, he earned
his degree from Harvard College at Harvard University in 1956; he
furthered his education by attending the Harvard Graduate School of
Business Administration; and

WHEREAS, Robert G. Wilmers began his distinguished banking career at
Bankers Trust Corporation as the New York City Finance Commissioner
under former Mayor John Lindsay; he also worked at J. P. Morgan & Co.'s
Morgan Guaranty Trust Co.; and

WHEREAS, In May of 1983, Robert G. Wilmers assumed the titles of
both Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of M & T Bank Corporation; in
this capacity, he transformed the bank into a powerful economic force
while leaving his long-lasting mark on numerous cultural institutions
and public education in Western New York; and

WHEREAS, Under his luminous leadership, the bank completed 24
acquisitions, grew from 2,000 employees to nearly 17,000, expanded from
51 branches in one state to 783 branches in eight states plus the
District of Columbia, and increased assets from $2 billion to more than
$120 billion; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, Robert G. Wilmers was instrumental in making M
& T Bank Corporation a financial institution which truly cared about
improving public education and positively impacted the lives of millions
of Western New York's young people; and

WHEREAS, Known as Buffalo's best friend, Robert G. Wilmers'
commitment to excellence, and his spirit of humanity, carried over into
all fields of enterprise, including charitable and civic endeavors; and

WHEREAS, A man of many passions and interests, Robert G. Wilmers
will long be remembered for not only his astute business acumen, but

also for his various philanthropic endeavors and engagement with
prominent arts and culture organizations in Buffalo including The
Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Shea's Performing Arts Center, the Buffalo
Philharmonic Orchestra, the Buffalo Zoo, and Olmstead Parks as well as
the Darwin Martin House; and

WHEREAS, For his fierce determination, engaging personality and
leadership style, Robert G. Wilmers was the recipient of numerous awards
and accolades including the 2005 Lifetime Achievement Award by American
Banker, the Charles P. Norton Medal from the University at Buffalo, and
the 2008 Chevalier of the Legion of Honor by the President of France;
and

WHEREAS, Robert G. Wilmers was named the 2011 Banker of the Year by
American Banker, and Citizen of the Year twice by The Buffalo News; this
remarkable man also received honorary degrees from Canisius College,
Niagara University, and the University at Buffalo; and

WHEREAS, Robert G. Wilmers is survived by his wife, Elisabeth; his
son, Christopher; four stepchildren, Camille de Wouters, Guillaume de
Wouters, Juliette Chevalier, and Charlotte de Coupigny; two grandsons,
and 11 step-grandchildren, as well as a legion of friends, and
colleagues in the banking world he helped shape; and

WHEREAS, A devoted husband, father, stepfather, and grandfather,
Robert G. Wilmers' name is synonymous with character, dignity,
intellect, depth, and humor, qualities evident to his family and to all
those who were fortunate enough to have known him; he will be deeply
missed and truly merits the grateful tribute of this Legislative Body;
now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Robert G. Wilmers, legendary leader in the banking
world, distinguished citizen and devoted member of his Buffalo
community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Robert G. Wilmers.