Since it began in 1953, the Monmouth Federal Credit Union has been serving its members in and around the Monmouth area with exceptional financial products and services. Moreover, it has been a valued partner in the life of the community through the years. One man played an indispensable role in Monmouth FCU’s people-focused qualities. Robert “Bob” Walker, who devoted more than half a century to that credit union, passed away a few months ago at the age of 92.

“We are all about people. Credit unions are about helping people, and that is special,” Walker said in his acceptance speech when the Maine Credit Union League honored him as 2009 Outstanding Credit Union Volunteer.

Walker had been involved with the credit union since becoming a member in 1955. Just a few years after the institution’s inception, Walker agreed to run the tiny credit union out of his living room, and then his basement, before going on to a 30-year career at his hometown credit union. Walker served on the credit union’s board for 53 years.

Currently led by Margie Gagne, Monmouth FCU has grown its membership to more than 2,572 with assets of more than $16,050,401. They have six full-time employees and seven part-time employees. The main office is at 1176 Main St., Monmouth, near Route 202, and a branch office is on Patten Road, also near Route 202, in Greene.

Monmouth FCU’s involvement with charitable causes and local activities are numerous. “We just wrapped up an awesome year of the Maine Credit Union League’s ‘Campaign for Ending Hunger,’ ” Gagne said. “We placed seventh in Maine for per-member contributions.”

Monmouth FCU staff, board and committee members also host a weekly community dinner at Monmouth Community Church. “We all cook for it and serve the dinners,” Gagne said.

Monmouth Community Players benefits from support sponsorship of the group’s popular theatrical performances at Monmouth’s historic Cumston Hall, and the credit union participates each year in festival events on Greene Days. Tours of the credit union for students at Greene Grammar School are another annual event.

Gagne recently paid tribute to Walker in remarks at the Monmouth FCU’s 59th annual meeting. “Bob’s influence is everywhere in our credit union, and the example he set is one that will not be forgotten,” she said. “While the credit union lost a volunteer, we also lost a friend, but the spirit and commitment to helping others, the basic principle upon which our credit union began, lives on.”

Monmouth FCU is registered as a community-type credit union. This means that anyone who lives or works in the community may be eligible to join. Members can take advantage of a full array of loans including new and used car loans, loans for motorcycles, boats, ATVs and some unsecured loans. They have access to a full-service Web site that allows for true “Banking From Home” functionality. Users have the ability to transfer money between accounts, and much more.

For more information, visit www.monmouthfcu.com or call 207-933-2667.