Wilson Dunbar McElhinny

Wilson Dunbar McElhinny, 94, died Sunday, May 12, 2024 at Willow Valley Communities in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara Watkins McElhinny, who died in 1991 and his second wife, Louise Miller McElhinny, who died in December 2020. He is additionally survived by four sons, David, Ward, Edward and William, their respective wives, seven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and long-time friend and companion Becky Bumsted. Born in Detroit, MI, Wilson was the son of William Dunbar McElhinny and Elizabeth Wilson McElhinny. A graduate of St. George’s School and Yale University, where he was a member of St. Anthony Hall. He began his career in commercial banking in New Haven, CT with the Union and New Haven Trust Company. In 1963, Wilson joined the Reading Trust Company becoming President and Chairman in 1968. In 1972 he was instrumental in combining banks from Harrisburg, Lancaster, Reading and York into a new entity, Hamilton Bank where he served as President and Chairman. In 1983, Hamilton Bank and The Philadelphia National Bank formed CoreStates Financial Corporation where Wilson served as President and later Vice Chairman. He retired in 1990. In 1975, Hamilton Bank in combination with Armstrong World Industries was instrumental in the development of Lancaster Square and in collaboration with Armstrong formed The Greater Lancaster Corporation. Joined by ten other local companies, these two enterprises developed their mission of urban renewal, to revitalize downtown Lancaster, with private funding in cooperation with local government. Active in community affairs in New Haven and Reading, Wilson served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Visitors of Franklin & Marshall College, Chairman of Lancaster General Hospital Board of Trustees, Chairman of the Lancaster Chamber of Commerce, and Chairman of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. Additionally, he served as President of the Pennsylvania Society and on the Boards of numerous companies, including Educators Mutual Insurance Company, Hunt Corporation, Irex Corporation, The Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association Insurance Company, Watt & Shand, and Wohlsen Construction Company. An avid sailor, Wilson and wife Bobbie sailed the Chesapeake, and with their four sons twice sailed the Marion Bermuda Race. He also enjoyed golf, tennis, and skiing throughout the West and Europe. In retirement, Wilson resided in Ketchum, Idaho with his second wife, Lisa, whom he married in 1993. Both avid fishermen, they fished not only in the West, but worldwide. Continuing his commitment to community, Wilson served as Director of the Idaho Nature Conservancy, St. Luke’s Wood River Hospital, and the Sun Valley Music Festival. He was Chairman of the First Bank of Idaho before he returned to Lancaster in 2017. He was an active member of the Lancaster Country Club and Saint James Episcopal Church. Wilson was formerly a member of the Hamilton Club, The Valley Club, and New York Yacht Club. Relatives and friends are invited to attend Wilson’s Celebration of Life Service at The Farm at Eagles Ridge, 465 Long Lane, Lancaster, PA 17603 on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. Please RSVP to David@thegroffs.com In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Wilson’s memory can be sent to: Lancaster Farmland Trust, 125 Lancaster Ave., Strasburg, PA 17579 or Lancaster Conservancy 117 S. West End Ave., Lancaster, PA 17603 or The Community Library, PO Box 2168 Ketchum, ID 83340 or Hospice and Palliative Care of the Wood River Valley, PO Box 4230, Ketchum, ID 83340.