Winston Wallin

Born in 1926 in Minneapolis was a noted business, community, and philanthropic leader. Known for his keen intellect and marvelous sense of humor, he was successful in every arena that he entered. Wallin died peacefully at home on December 20th, 2010. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Theresa Wallin and by his brother, Duane Wallin. Winston graduated South High School in 1943, served two years in the U.S. Navy Air Corps, and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1948 with a degree in business administration. In 1949, he married Maxine Jessup Houghton, also a graduate of the University of Minnesota. Winston and Maxine celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary last September. Mr. Wallin is survived by Maxine and four children: Rebecca Wallin (Don), Brooks Wallin (Catherine), Lance Wallin (Sharon) and Bradford Wallin (Cynthia). He employed both humor and serious discussion to engage his thirteen grandchildren: Pierre Wallin, Travis Dickinson, Elena Wallin, Agathe Wallin, Preston Wallin, Alexandra Wallin, Alexei Dickinson, Sylvia Wallin, Dasha Dickinson, Clarissa Wallin, Julia Wallin, Rowan Wallin, and Rhys Wallin. Following graduation from the University of Minnesota, Wallin joined the Pillsbury Company in 1948 as a trainee in the grain department. After a 10-year assignment in Ogden, Utah, Wallin returned to corporate headquarters in Minneapolis in 1965. In 1977 he was elected that company's President and Chief Operating Officer. In 1985 Wallin left Pillsbury to join Medtronic, Inc. as Chairman and CEO, and orchestrated the Company's remarkable growth for a decade until his retirement in 1996 as Chairman of the Board. Wallin's leadership was key to building a platform for the Company's future development by diversifying the Medtronic's product portfolio and increasing it's sales, results, and employment. In 1996 he was conferred the title of Chairman Emeritus. Wallin's philanthropic career spanned multiple institutions and causes. In the early 1990's, he was a special advisor to President Nils Hasselmo at the University overseeing the Academic Health Center during a time of great turbulence and change. He chaired a $35 million capital campaign for the U of M Cancer Center, and in 1992 was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award. In 1995 Wallin was presented an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the U of M Medical School. Recently, he chaired the Dean's Board of Visitors for the University Medical School. He also served as a Trustee of Carleton College from 1983-2001 and as Chair from 1991-1999 for which he was awarded with an Honorary Doctorate. Internationally, he chaired the Caux Round Table, an organization devoted to principled business ethics in a global context. In addition, he served on other numerous corporate boards including Cargill, Bemis, Supervalu and U.S. Bank and as well as various non-profit boards. Wallin's lasting legacy is Wallin Education Partners, a program designed to dramatically improve college graduation rates for promising students with financial need. He was prescient in his understanding that the larger community and economy require a higher proportion of successful college graduates and through financial support and comprehensive advising this goal can be achieved. From it's founding in 1991, Wallin Education Partners now serves students from 26 Metro High schools through a collaboration with over twenty donor partners, which include corporations, foundations, and individuals. His example of selfless giving and commitment to area youth have resonated with the thousands of scholars supported through the program. Known for irreverence, humor, and willingness to listen and understand, Wallin will be missed by all who knew him. His deep-seated concern for society and for the welfare of the larger community is rare in corporate leaders of his caliber. His commitment, love, and interest in all of his family members can never be replaced. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Wallin Education Partners (a 501-c-3 charity, www.wallinpartners.org) for funding of college scholarships or to the University of Minnesota Medical Foundation. A visitation will be held on Tuesday December 28th at the Washburn McReavy Edina Chapel located at 5000 W. 50th and Hwy 100 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. In addition, on January 7th, 2011 a celebration of Winston's life and accomplishments will be held at the McNamara Alumni Center located at 200 Oak St. SE, Minneapolis 55455 on the East Bank of the University of Minnesota campus starting at 10:30 AM. A lunch will follow the remembrance service. Further information concerning the location and parking can be found at the following internet address www.mac-events.org or by calling 612-624-9831. The Wallin Family would like to express their gratitude to the University of Minnesota Hospitals and its employees and staff, Fairview Home Hospice, and his private in-home nurses for the excellent care which was given. Washburn McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996

Tributes

Winston Wallin

December 26, 2010

Tributes

Winston Wallin

December 26, 2010

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