America First Credit Union is mourning the loss of longtime credit union advocate and board member Tom Connors, who passed away June 19 after an apparent heart attack at age 72.

A past chairman, Connors began his volunteer service at the Riverdale, Utah, credit union in 1982, was elected to the board of directors in 1992.

“Tom was a great friend and colleague to all of us serving here at America First,” said Linda Carver, board chair of the credit union. “He lived life to the fullest and pushed himself beyond what most of us would do.

His dedication to the credit union movement and his commitment to serve the underserved was commendable and a true passion of his. We are truly appreciative of the many years of volunteer service Tom has given to America First members and its associate organizations.”

Connors and his wife, Isabelle, had just returned home on June 17 from a credit union conference in Atlanta that specialized in serving the underserved.

He was a member of the World Council of Credit Unions, where he was a development educator and involved in the community development program.