Clark County philanthropist Ed Lynch dies at 94 | The ColumbianClark County philanthropist Ed Lynch dies at 94Businessman, his late wife among region’s biggest benefactors

He was 94 years old.

“Vancouver has lost a great friend and supporter,” said Lynch’s friend Royce Pollard, former Vancouver mayor and, like Lynch, a former recipient of the community’s First Citizen award.

“Ed and (his late wife) Dollie were models of what a committed and caring citizen should be,” said Pat Jollota, local historian and former Vancouver city councilwoman. The Lynches supported many community causes over the years, including the PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center, Fort Vancouver National Trust, Identity Clark County and Columbia Springs Foundation, among other others.

The Lynches were part of a generation of local residents who made fortunes in business, then spent their retirement spending their money for the betterment of the community. Ed Lynch was the kind of person who would come early to set up folding chairs before an event; Dollie used to help out frequently in the kitchen at First United Methodist Church.

“Both my mother and father were extremely proud to call Vancouver home,” said Michael Lynch.

Michael Lynch said that although he has a rough idea of how much money the Lynches gave away during their lifetimes, he didn’t want to disclose it, because they wouldn’t want to be remembered that way. In 1992, the Lynches were honored as Clark County’s First Citizens by the Community Foundation, and in 2006 were honored as Washington Generals, a statewide honor.

Survivors include four children: Louanna Eggert of Portland, Susan Lynch of Vail, Colo., Carolyn Taylor of Portland, Michael Lynch of Vancouver, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Mains said Sunday evening that a funeral will be planned and announced later.

Rob Oster of The Columbian contributed to this report.

Ed, Dollie Lynch honored for a lifetime of giving