Jack Bakken passed away peacefully in Denver on Feb. 5, 17 days after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Jack was born in Minot, North Dakota, son of Elmaar H. Bakken and Mary Lois Chapel. He and his wife have been Granby residents since 1997 living in their ‘dream home’ in the mountains. Jack loved Colorado where he enjoyed hiking, skiing and sailing. Jack was very active in the community including his participation on the boards for the Granby Library Building Committee, Grand County Model Railroad Club and Moffat Road Railroad Museum, Grand County Historic Preservation Board, Grand County Historical Association, Sons of Norway and the Lake Granby Yacht Club. In addition Jack was very involved with Rotary, both in Denver and Granby; serving as chairman on many committees, 2nd Vice President of the Denver Club and President of the Granby club in 2003-2004.

Jack graduated from Hamilton College in 1952 with majors in Geology and Math. He then graduated from Harvard Business School in 1954, followed by 2 years of service in the U.S. Army. Jack was active in scouting and earned his ‘Eagle Scout’ in high school and continued to support scouting as an Adult leader when his oldest son was a scout.

Jack was a very highly respected and successful businessman in Denver and Granby. At the time of his death, he was still the President of Business Appraisal Associates, Inc. He was a certified appraiser doing business valuation, oil, gas and mineral valuation, as well as financial management consulting.

Jack is survived by his wife of 63 years, Hope Bakken; his sons Kris and Drew, daughter Suzy, 6 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren; brother, David and many close friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rotary Club of Granby or the Grand County Counsel on Aging.

A ‘Celebration of Life’ will be held on Saturday, Feb. 20, at Maverick’s Restaurant in Granby – 2 to 4 p.m.