Bill Bakke Memorial

It is with a heavy heart that we report William (Bill) Bakke, dear friend and 30-plus year board member of CrossPoint Federal Credit Union, has passed away. Bill served as chairperson for 10 years guiding the Board of Directors through the merger of CrossPoint (Wepawaug Flagg) and Hamden Municipal Credit Union. His steadfast dedication to the Credit Union, the board of directors, CrossPoint’s members, and to the New Haven Community are to be admired.

Bill was an attorney, a history scholar, and an alumnus, educator, and CFO of Hopkins School. During his 35-year tenure at Hopkins, Bill coached Varsity Soccer and Hockey, served as Associate Head of School for Administration, Finance and Operations, developed history courses for the school, and founded the Hopkins Lacrosse team. A quote from the Fall 2007 edition of the Views, a Hopkins publication, on Bill:

“Over the course of the past fifty years, Mr. Bakke has spent 35 at Hopkins. Most of us came to Hopkins because we have a passion for and knowledge of an academic field, because we like smart kids and smart colleagues, and because we wanted to teach. One would guess that none of us came here with the intention of serving in six or seven capacities and helping to guide Hopkins through a transformative time, but that is exactly what Mr. Bakke has done. Throughout his time at Hopkins, Bill Bakke’s watchword has been integrity. The constant in his career — regardless of his title — has been teaching and its focus on imparting information and knowledge, developing judgment in others and caring for what he calls the ‘Hopkins family.'”

Known for his gregarious personality, inquisitive nature, and strong intelligence, Bill will be remembered for his willingness to help those around him. He took the time to understand the matters he oversaw and dedicated himself to serving others. He saw the importance of teaching others. Imparting information and knowledge and caring for others was of the utmost importance to Bill. Described by his peers as loyal, humorous, task oriented, and a man of integrity, it is clear to see what we have lost with Bill’s passing.

Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with Bill’s wife Pat and his family at this difficult time. CrossPoint mourns Bill with reflections of a kind, giving man who helped guide us on our journey. It is with his memory and the lessons learned from him that we will move forward and hope to make him proud.