Former Campbell Estate trustee Fred Trotter dies at 80

Former Campbell Estate trustee and local business leader Fred Trotter has died at the age of 80.

Trotter, a descendant of estate founder James Campbell, was remembered by colleagues for his extensive knowledge of agricultural and water issues as well his commitment to causes important to native Hawaiians.

“His heart was deeply planted in Hawaiian soil and he was a strong champion of activities that benefit people who are indigenous to Hawaii,” said David Heenan, a former Campbell Estate trustee who served on several corporate boards with Trotter. “He had a special sensitivity to native Hawaiians in all of his decisions and actions,” Heenan said.

Until his death last week Trotter was a director on the boards of Bank of Hawaii Corp. and Maui Land & Pineapple Co. He also served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including the Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, the Hawaii Management Alliance Association and the Aloha Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Trotter was a descendant of James Campbell, the Scottish carpenter who came to Hawaii, built a business empire and died in 1900, leaving behind an estate valued at $2.3 billion when it was terminated in 2007. Its assets were distributed among 31 direct heirs.