On left-leaning Vashon, one would be hard pressed to find a fan of big banks. This is why we suspect this news that Bank of America will close in the fall was met on the island with mixed reactions last week.

Some who do business at Bank of America are no doubt frustrated, maybe even angry, that their bank is leaving them high and dry. And those who dislike the corporation, which has become known in recent years for its high fees and controversial decisions, may be glad to see it leave or for one more branch to close.

Whether angry or pleased, don’t forget one small group of islanders affected in a big way by this closure — the branch employees.

As islanders worked to bring a credit union to Vashon a couple years ago, some organizers noted that while they had qualms with Vashon’s big banks, they liked many of the people inside them. Many islanders, in fact, have reported good experiences with staff at Bank of America, as well as Chase and U.S. Bank. Even Patte Wagner, the credit union’s well-liked manager, once headed Vashon’s Chase branch.

If you bank at Bank of America and have appreciated the local staff — including manager Barbara Rice, who has been with the branch for 22 years — take time to say a word to them.

And as for Bank of America officials, who have been somewhat tight-lipped about the closure, we hope they’ll work hard to relocate any Vashon employees willing to commute off-island to keep their jobs.