After a 36 year career with Timberland Bank, Hoquiam loan officer Candy Palmer will sign off her computer for the final time when she retires on Thursday.

Palmer joined Timberland Bank in 1975 and was initially hired as a customer service representative at the South Aberdeen branch, where she served customers for 12 years. With the exception of short breaks in service when her children were born, she has served Timberland customers for 36 years. In 1988, she was promoted to branch manager and loan officer at the South Aberdeen branch, where she served until 2003. As the bank grew, Palmer was again promoted to vice president and moved to the bank’s Hoquiam headquarters.

Times have certainly changed since the early days of her banking career. In 1975 when Palmer was hired, the bank was known as Timberland Federal Savings and Loan, had four branches, $20 million in assets and about 20 staff members. In 2000, the bank’s name was revised to Timberland Bank to reflect the growth of the institution and the wider array of financial services offered. The bank has now grown to 22 branch locations and reached over $931 million in assets.

Community service has been a trademark of Palmer’s career. She has been involved with the bank’s Relay for Life team for more than 20 years ago. In 2001, she joined the Aberdeen Lions Club as one of the first female members. This spring she was honored with the Melvin Jones Fellowship award for outstanding community service. She also volunteers at the Salvation Army Food Bank.

“Giving back to the community has b

een central to my personal values for years,” said Palmer. “Being able to serve others and meet wonderful people in our community, many of whom have become my customers, makes it all the more important to me.“

As Palmer wraps up these final days of her career, she has enjoyed reflecting on the clients she has served through the years.

“It is wonderful to know that I am now helpingchildren and grandchildren of clients I have served for the past 36 years,” stated Ms. Palmer.

A retirement reception is planned for Palmer on Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hoquiam branch and the public is invited.