Fred and Willie Grimm were honored as the 2001 Business Person (Couple) of the Year at the award luncheon May 31 at Wing Point Golf and Country Club. They have given a combined 60 years of service to the Bainbridge Island community.

“Willie and I were both surprised but happy about the honor,” Fred said. Willie added her own modest reaction, however. “I don’t feel qualified for it.”

Fred started his orthodontist practice in 1970 when he and Willie arrived on Bainbridge Island with three children. Immediately, both Fred and Willie jumped into community activities.

As a founding commissioner for the Parks and Recreation Board, Fred was instrumental in taking the park district from a single swimming pool to the present thriving system that impacts the entire community today. He served on the school board with two terms as president. He has been active in Kiwanis, Stevens Pass Junior Ski Racing Program, and the island’s Harbor Patrol for water-skiers

Willie began as a volunteer in 1970 at the Bargain Boutique, which supports the Children’s Hospital in Seattle. She become manager in 1980 and still serves in that capacity.

Together Fred and Willie have been actively involved in the development and support of Bainbridge Performing Arts and the 1993 “rebirth” of the Bainbridge High School Booster Club.

Don Nakata was honored in memoriam. A life-time island resident, Nakata was president of the Town and Country Thriftway parent corporation. His devotion and nurturing spirit extended to every employee. He was quietly involved in many community activities. In September 2000 he and his wife Ellen lead a 634-person team in the Race for the Cure. Nakata died October 3, 2000 at age 66.