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Ian Arnof Obituary

Arnof Ian Arnof of Carmel, CA and previously McCrory, AR & New Orleans, LA died on February 27, 2016 at age 76. Ian graduated from Vanderbilt University and Harvard Business School and was a proud alum at both schools. Ian started his career at First Tennessee Bank out of college and was recruited to First National Bank of Commerce in New Orleans which he ran as Chairman, President & CEO before it was sold to Bank One/Chase. During his banking career, he was very active in the New Orleans community serving on several boards and focusing on economic development and educational opportunities in the region through organizations including Teach For America and New Schools For New Orleans. In retirement he moved to Carmel, CA and joined the Community Hospital (CHOMP) board and the Big Sur Land Trust and enjoyed supporting organizations like the Panetta Institute and SIEPER at Stanford University. Ian will be remembered and missed dearly by family and friends but also by many people who worked with him over the years at the bank where he positively impacted so many people's lives in many tangible ways as a great boss, mentor, advisor and champion. His colleagues adored him and they meant the world to him as well. Ian leaves 3 children Paige Arnof-Fenn of Cambridge, MA, Ian Arnof of Somerville, MA and Lindy Kearns of Washington, DC as well as their spouses and 4 grandchildren he adored as well as a sister Ann Fishman in NYC. In lieu of flowers if you'd like to make a donation to the dedicated and talented doctors and staff at the Community Hospital of the Monterey Peninsula go to www.chomp.org and just live your life by the example he set for all of us, enjoying it to the fullest and doing your best work always.

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Published by The Times-Picayune from Mar. 1 to Mar. 2, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Ian Arnof

23 Entries

Cynthia Dahilig

March 6, 2017

Ian was a wonderfully pleasant southern flavored gentleman. Always a pleasure to visit with. He was an active man with a positive outlook on life, living and family. I will miss his bright mind, his humor, and his company. I feel enriched for knowing him and am deeply saddened by his passing.

Peter Tuz

April 15, 2016

I am so sorry to hear of Ian's passing. I considered him a great friend and mentor as I learned about the banking industry over the past few decades. We talked 2-3 times per year and his optimism in the face of all the health challenges he faced recently always amazed me. Condolences to you all.
Peter Tuz

Allison Lewis Stouse

March 29, 2016

I am just learning of this sad news. Ian was a great friend to my mother, Diana Lewis, and I had the distinct pleasure of lunching with him under a beautiful California sky not long ago. Not knowing of his death, I emailed him recently with a fond memory of Paige to whom I send my sincerest condolences. He was a gem of a human being, and my love goes out to the whole family.

March 17, 2016

I feel fortunate to have had a30 minute telephone visit with Ian in February. He was a great friend and I will miss him. Art Hollins

Ted Balestreri

March 8, 2016

Paige, Ian and Lindy,
My wife Velma and I would like to convey our deepest sympathy on the passing of your father. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We hope that wonderful memories of his life bring you and your family comfort in the days ahead.
Best personal regards,
Ted and Velma Balestreri

Joey Wilson

March 7, 2016

I am deeply saddened by the news of Ian's death. I count myself privileged to have received Ian's mentoring, encouragement, sponsorship and example in times of great difficulty and times of great success.

Ian passionately pursued excellence and treasured and fought for the well-being of family, firm, friends and the community at large. His brilliance and insatiable drive for the right (think righteous) information and answers to address challenges and opportunities were and are legendary.

So very many of us (especially the First Commerce Corporation family) owe Ian a debt of immense gratitude. Our lives and those we influence have been enriched by his nurture, leadership and investment in us.

I am so thankful to and for Ian.

March 7, 2016

My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)

Ian Arnof

Rodger (Buddy) Cooper

March 6, 2016

Jane and I would like to extend our deepest condolences to Paige, Lindy and Ian N.

Your father was very special to me. He was the first real friend I had at Vanderbilt. We had rooms on the same floor of Vanderbilt Hall our freshman year. Ian was a natural leader, and quickly became a well known name on campus. He was a friendly ear to many, and helped me in decision making during some challenging times, balancing school studies, football, and fraternity matters. Ian was from a small town in Arkansas (McCrory) and we would kid each other about the relative sizes of our home towns. I was from St. Louis. I don't think I told him that I was born in Little Rock until later. I invited him to St. Louis and we had a ball, double dating, seeing the sights, attending the Muny Opera, and the Zoo. We have been friends for almost 60 years, and stayed in touch. He will be sorely missed.

Rodger (Buddy) and Jane Cooper
Ellisville, Missouri

March 6, 2016

So sorry for your loss. What a handsome fellow! Take comfort in knowing that those who have died to God are as good as alive. A good name is better than good oil and the day of death is better than the day of birth. Eccl. 7:1 LW-NC

Ed Marshall

March 5, 2016

My life was forever changed after meeting and working with Ian Arnof. Long before ethnic diversity was a boardroom discussion in Corporate America, in1990 Ian looked beyond the color of my skin to the talents I could bring to the financial world and the New Orleans community.
He without intention made history appointing me the first African American Public Relations Director for a multi-billion dollar banking corporation in the Gulf South. Ian would later enhance my business discipline as First Commerce's choice for study at Harvard Business School-returning to the company as an alumnus of the school he held in high esteem.
The likes of Ian Arnof are rare. I am forever grateful The Divine chose me to be a student of learning from a man with great foresight, wisdom and the humanity to leave the world better than he found it.
Farewell my mentor-my friend.

Norma Wall

March 4, 2016

Others have already said it all. What a true, sincere, pleasant and smart man Ian was. He had a great smile. He will be missed by many.

Barry Mulroy

March 3, 2016

I first met Ian in 1970 when I went to work in the Information Systems Division at First Tennessee. He was the youngest Senior Vice President, at 26, the bank had ever had. He was impressive then and he always remained so to me. He was often challenging to work for but he was always fair. He was smart, progressive, creative, and enigmatic. He created opportunities for others and gave people room and inspiration to grow. For the 35 years that he came and went from my working life, especially the last 15 at FCOM, I benefitted from those qualities in him. He was the wisest most morally upright CEO I ever worked for. He was a great mentor and friend. The world is a lesser place for his passing. He will be missed.

Ann Eisen

March 3, 2016

Ann Paige, Ian and Lindy.
Butch and I were so sorry to hear this sad news. We are thinking of you all and remembering the times together. May his memory be a blessing n

Paul Pastorek

March 2, 2016

Ian was one of the most active business leaders in New Orleans per-Katrina who worked on improving public education. He was a mentor to me and others and encouraged us to give back to our community in this area. We mourn his passing.

Aimee Freeman

March 2, 2016

My thoughts and prayers are with Ian's children, Paige,, Ian, and Lindy. Your father was a kind and generous man. I will always treasure his leadership and his continued kindness to me and so many people. He was always willing to help people make connections in business. May your father rest in peace.

Bill Roohi

March 2, 2016

He was a great leader of a hugely successful banking franchise of which the alumni are now leaders of many other successful banking franchises.

March 2, 2016

Ian was such a gentleman. Ralph and I have fond memories of times we spent with him.
He was so generous to everyone he met. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. Ralph and Sue Miller, Pensacola, Fl, Norco, LA

A. J. Friedman

March 2, 2016

Devie and I were saddened to read this news. Our thoughts are with Paige, Ian, and Lindsey as we remember your parents and you with lots of good fond memories. A. J. Friedman

Peggy Neal

March 2, 2016

Thank you for your kindness and how you treated everyone the same! You were amazing at remembering people's names and always had that smile. You were an inspiration at the original First NBC and we have never forgotten it.

Michael Laughlin

March 2, 2016

What a Great Person

Rhonda Cartwright

March 1, 2016

Thank you Ian for all the opportunities you gave us to succeed, shine and grow in our careers and as individuals. I am grateful to you for your leadership and your kindness.

Sue Metzner

March 1, 2016

Such a special mentor, and in more recent times a close friend and confidant. I loved our last conversation about Harper Lee and her view of the South that you grew up in. RIP my beloved friend.

G. Dan Lumpkin, CMC

March 1, 2016

A special person was amongst us for a while! Who lived a dedicated life, and who made a difference in the lives of many. Our world was made better because Ian Arnof was part of them!

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