REMEMBERING EARL

Below is a selection of excerpts from the countless messages we’ve received from patients, providers, employees, and friends of Earl.

... [Earl] gave me a beautiful hospital in which to care for my patients, a “garage” to send my keiki should she want to explore technology, and so much support for our lovely ‘aina. Mahalo nui loa, Earl. We will remember you always, and do our best to carry on your work.

-Melisa Gosland, MD

 

We mourn the passing of Earl Bakken, a medtech pioneer whose generous, innovative spirit has helped save and improve millions of lives. His vision for a healthier world will continue to inspire health progress.

-Scott Whitaker, President and CEO of AdvaMed

Without this man’s wisdom, vision, passion to help others, and life-long dedication to the Medtronic Mission, none of us would be where we are today — proudly working for the greatest company in the world: Medtronic.

-Charlie Britt, Medtronic employee
Charlie Britt and Earl Bakken

Charlie Britt and Earl Bakken

...[Earl] had such a huge impact on Minnesota and so many people, including me.

-R.T. Rybak, President and CEO, The Minneapolis Foundation

A good man who did great things. One of my heroes. #EarlBakken Ready, Fire, Aim

-Cheryl Moeller, Executive Director at High Tech Kids, Former Medtronic employee

The word 'pioneer' sometimes gets overused, but Earl Bakken was a true pioneer and an inspiring leader. #EarlBakken

-Geoff Martha, EVP and President, Medtronic Restorative Therapies Group

I was fortunate indeed to have been hired as the first European employee for Medtronic [in 1967]. I thought I would probably stay a few years with this young American company nobody had (yet) heard of. I retired from Medtronic some 42+ years later. Twenty of those exciting years I had the honor to work directly for [Earl] as his Executive Assistant, I cannot begin to express my gratitude. Aloha and God bless.

-Tinie Haagsma, Medtronic retiree

...[Earl] was a visionary, inventor, philanthropist, and pioneer. His contributions to STEM are immeasurable. We are grateful for all that Earl did to make this world a better place. His legacy will live on for generations to come.

-Science Museum of Minnesota

 

When I introduced myself and told him I work in Human Resources, he said 'We need you. We started with 2 employees, and now have over 80,000. We couldn’t do that without HR.' It was a very special moment.

-Suzanne Diercksen, Medtronic employee
Suzanne Diercksen and Earl Bakken

Suzanne Diercksen and Earl Bakken

A pacemaker allowed my dad to live 96 healthy years. So grateful.

-Raphaella Vaisseau, Relative of Medtronic patient

 

My four Medtronic pacemakers have been helping to keep me alive since I was 35. Now I’m 58 and going strong. Thank you to the innovator and entrepreneur Earl Bakken, who has helped so many failing hearts.

-Margaret Kruse, patient

My life — and the lives of millions of others — has been positively impacted by one single, humble man, Earl Bakken. He was always a man ahead of his time...and we will someday catch up to his dreams!

-Karen Parkhill, Chief Financial Officer, Medtronic

Earl Bakken has left his mark on Medtronic and the world he lived in. A wonderful legacy and I, like many others, will be forever grateful.

-David Smith, Medtronic Global Champion

He would stand up in front of ALL the employees during the annual Christmas party and say, ‘It doesn't matter if you're the janitor or the CEO, your job is important and without you the company couldn't operate.’ I will NEVER forget those words!

-Deborah Bickers, former Medtronic employee
Earl Bakken at Holiday Program

Earl Bakken Holiday Program

There are many biotechnology companies intent on improving health and quality of life. But what has distinguished Earl and Medtronic is his insistence that the Company would focus on honesty, integrity, and service as well as empowerment of employees and support of the community. Earl was one-of-a-kind. I have no doubt that when he entered the pearly gates he was told, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’

-Jan Prazak, Medtronic retiree

VIEW ADDITIONAL MEMORIES AND PHOTOS

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Honoring EARL

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