Earl E. Bakken, who invented the first wearable, battery-powered pacemaker died last week at age 94. He also co-founded Medtronic, the giant medical-device company. I often saw Mr. Bakken at various places including the Twilight event that’s held monthly at the Eva Parker Woods cottage at the shoreline at Makaiwa Bay near our Mauna Lani Beach Club. I saw him several times in Waimea walking the isles of Safeway food market and once at the Farmer’s Market at Parker School on a typical Saturday morning.

I knew of his accomplishments as many of us do here but he always seemed very approachable and kind at least from a distance. I learned from the property manager of his large, ocean front estate at Kiholo Bay that he loved ball room dance and that a large ballroom was constructed in his home specifically for this activity that he and his wife Doris really enjoyed.

Most of us living here full time also know he gave generously to the North Hawaii Community Hospital where “locals” like Lissette and I, have visited many times for emergency room visits, testing or to visit friends and family who may be there for an illness. Mr. Bakken had a very clear vision to enhance the patient’s experience in all aspects of the hospital. His vision included constructing the structure for healing, incorporating the environment, including rooms with large windows and wide hallways and skylights.

He also gave generously to other island organizations and non profits. For instance he supported the Na Kalai Waa, that restored the Makali‘i Voyaging Canoe and developed the Makali‘i Voyaging Family. Bakken also supported Tutu’s House in Waimea, which serves as a gathering place for organizations and support groups where they can meet free of charge. I’m sure there were plenty of other local and mainland individuals and organizations he supported anonymously but we are blessed he called our island home for some part of his life. The Big Island will miss Earl Bakken!

Written by Rick Oliver on October 31, 2018
Posted in: Hawaii Life | Tags: Earl Bakken