Ed Rasmuson
“Big Ed” did it all
Brought up during Alaska’s territorial days, Ed Rasmuson matured during the heady “go-go years” of statehood, the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act and pipeline construction. Along the way, he graduated from Harvard College. Over the course of 30 years, Ed moved through the ranks at National Bank of Alaska starting out as a teller, becoming a branch manager in Southeast Alaska, and ultimately leading the organization as chairman of the board.
In December 1999, Ed orchestrated a deal to sell the National Bank of Alaska to Wells Fargo. The bulk of his father’s estate was given not to the family, but instead to the Foundation. It was the first time that a fortune made in Alaska stayed in Alaska, something Ed was a firm believer in.
Powered by an uncommon share of physical energy and intellectual drive, “Big Ed” moved seamlessly through his days. From business meetings, customer service, employee management, million-dollar decisions and advising at the highest levels of government to seeing opera, playing golf, watching birds, fishing, cooking wild game, trekking, climbing, skiing, snowmachining, piloting planes full of children, and collecting good wine and good friends — Ed did it all.
Ed served as Foundation chairman from 2000 to 2021, then became chairman emeritus until his death in January 2022 at age 81. For much of his tenure, his wife, Cathryn, was at his side as vice chair. With Diane Kaplan, the Foundation’s first employee and CEO, Ed and the board built the Foundation into what it became: a strong and innovative partner of nonprofits across Alaska. Ed was the impetus for initiatives to address homelessness, establish local funds led by local leaders, and support local parks through the Anchorage Park Foundation.
He was always searching for new and better ways to improve life for all Alaskans.
A documentary on Ed and his life was created by the Alaska Humanities Forum. Watch “Magnetic North: The Alaska Character, Ed Rasmuson:”