Waid Vanderpoel

Waid Robert Vanderpoel
Waid Robert Vanderpoel
Born	Template:Birth date; Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died	August 25, 2003 (aged 81); Barrington, Illinois, U.S.
Occupation(s)	Financier, environmental advocate
Known for	Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer at First National Bank of Chicago; conservation efforts with Citizens for Conservation; co-author of Handbook on Troughs

Waid Robert Vanderpoel (May 19, 1922 – August 25, 2003) was an American financier and environmental advocate based in Norwood Park, Chicago, Illinois. Holding a degree in finance, Vanderpoel built a notable career in the financial sector. He died in Barrington, Illinois.

Personal life and education

Vanderpoel was born to Helen and Robert Vanderpoel; his father was a prominent financial journalist for the Chicago Sun-Times, credited with the saying, "the most successful businessman is the man who holds onto the old just as long as it is good, and grabs the new just as soon as it is better." Additionally, Waid was related to the artist John Vanderpoel as his nephew.

He completed his secondary education at Schurz High School in 1939, graduating among the top students, and proceeded to earn a finance degree from Grinnell College in 1943. During World War II, he served as a corporal in the United States Army, participating in campaigns throughout France and central Europe. In 1947, he wed Ruth Silbermann, and together they had five sons: John, Tom, William, James, and Mark.

Career

Starting his professional journey in 1946 at the First National Bank of Chicago (now JPMorgan Chase), Vanderpoel worked initially as an investment portfolio manager before ascending to Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer. He was instrumental in broadening the bank’s reach both domestically and internationally by establishing offices in London, Tokyo, and Beijing. Known for his expertise on global inflation trends, Vanderpoel frequently appeared in national media outlets and received accolades from the Financial Analyst Society for his partnership with Governor George Romney on stock dividend tax relief initiatives.

Conservation efforts

Following his retirement from banking, Vanderpoel dedicated himself to land conservation and prairie ecosystem restoration. He actively volunteered with Citizens for Conservation, an organization committed to safeguarding natural habitats around Chicago. Serving twice as president, he facilitated the acquisition of over for preservation purposes, playing a crucial role in protecting various plant and animal species from local extinction. His leadership in negotiating agreements that balanced commercial development with environmental preservation earned him national recognition.

Rock gardening

Vanderpoel was also recognized for his expertise in rock gardening, devoting significant portions of his Barrington estate to this passion. As a member of the North American Rock Garden Society, he co-authored the 1996 publication Handbook on Troughs.

Awards and honors

Awarded Financial Analyst of the Year by the Financial Analyst Society for his contributions to stock dividend tax relief legislation alongside George Romney
Named Citizen of the Year in Barrington, Illinois in 1993
Received formal commendation through Illinois Senate Resolution SR0299

Works

Handbook on Troughs, authored by Waid Vanderpoel, Gwen Kelaidis, et al., published by North American Rock Garden Society in 1996

External links