ST. LOUIS – Bob Hood, the well-known and respected former president/CEO of the Missouri Credit Union Association, passed away Oct. 13 from emphysema and lung cancer. He was 77. Hood started as a field rep at what was then called the Missouri Credit Union League in 1954, and he became manager in 1960 (title later changed to president). He retired in 1990 when the organization was called the Missouri Credit Union System (it is currently called the Missouri Credit Union Association), and was succeeded by John Gallagher. During his tenure as president, Hood served on several credit union association boards such as the Association of Credit Union League Executives (ACULE) and CUNA, as well as the CUNA Mutual Insurance Society. On his retirement, when asked how he would like to be remembered, Hood said, "I'd like to be remembered as a builder. I'd like to be remembered as one who took a scene that was good and improved upon it. I'd like to be remembered as a person who wishes his successor the same opportunities." MCUA President/CEO Rosie Holub said of Hood: "Bob will always be remembered not only for his contributions and accomplishments, but for his kindness, his great sense of humor and wit, and for his passion for the credit union movement. As one who was mentored by him, he generously shared his wisdom and sage advice. He will be greatly missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Mary and their family." No details were available at press time from Hood's family concerning funeral arrangements. [email protected]