Lisa Mahealani Kinimaka
Jul 21, 1958 - Nov 17, 2017
Lisa passed away peacefully at home on November 17th, surrounded by her loving wife, Kathryn, their Labradoodle, Pono and close friends. Lisa and Kathryn shared an authentic love and spiritual partnership that was a joy and inspiration to be around for all who knew them well. They were deeply blessed with a loving, loyal and happy life together in which they wholeheartedly supported each other during times of difficulty, contentment, and abundance.
A native San Franciscan, Lisa was raised in San Jose by her mother Pi’ilani “Tutu” Kinimaka, whom she shared a particularly special bond with, late father Patrick Kinimaka, and brothers James and John whom she loved dearly. Lisa got her “street-smart’s” and competitive nature from her father, and her kind, gentle, patient side from her mother. In her early years she and big bro’ James were inseparable, always hand-in-hand doing everything boys could and most girls wouldn’t. She had a deep love for family, friends and animals and was immensely proud of her Hawaiian heritage, often spending summers in Hawaii with “ohana” and friends.
Growing up Lisa was strong, capable, and fearless and began building many life-long friendships. She had confidence in her ability to handle any situation with a level-head, creative thinking, and a positive attitude— always up for a challenge, and by nature, a problem-solver. At one point, one of her friends jokingly called her “Wonder Woman” and the name stuck for life. Her friends and their parents all felt that if Lisa K. was involved in their daughter’s weekend plans, all would be safe.
Lisa fell in love with Track and Field (T&F) at age 11 and joined the San Jose Cindergals track team. She embraced her athletic abilities and felt empowered and at peace on the Track. She dedicated herself to training, and with the support of great coaching, hard work and perseverance earned a spot on the Junior Olympic team, 3 Junior National Teams and 3 Senior National Teams. Lisa was honored to travel the world representing the USA in competition. One of her proudest moments was being presented her first USA team uniform at the age of 14. Academically Lisa worked hard to overcome challenges associated with dyslexia and proudly graduated High School Magna Cum Laude.
In college Lisa continued her elite T&F career as a pentathlete attending SJCC, UCSB and CSUN. Lisa earned a Bachelor’s in Psychology and was especially fascinated with training the mind and developing mental strength to fuel great achievement. Lisa trained with the LA Track Club and competed in the 1976 Olympic Trials where she set her sights on the 1980 Olympics. To her great disappointment, the US boycotted the 1980 Olympics, and she suffered an injury that ended her elite T&F career. With her Olympic Dreams dashed, she began her business career journey.
Lisa did not miss a beat in applying the discipline and enthusiasm she developed through academics and athletics into a successful corporate career. She approached her career the same way she did everything in life - with a smile on her face, courage to face challenges, perseverance, a sense of humor, and making those around her feel important and special.
Lisa’s career at PG&E grew quickly as she took on difficult assignments and consistently delivered positive results by applying her work ethic and leadership skills to whatever position she held. She was often naïve going into new positions but always aware of what she didn’t know. Her desire and respect to be around smart people fueled her learning and contributed to joint successes. Lisa was a natural leader who knew how to bring out the best in people and she found joy in helping others achieve their highest level of performance. She was a woman of deep integrity who always stood up for what was right, even when it meant risking her own best interests.
After retiring from PG&E in 2005, Lisa loved to travel and play golf with Kathryn, spend time with loved ones and was able to return to her first love, T&F. Lisa excelled in Master’s competition winning the bronze medal in Javelin at the World Masters Competition in Lahti Finland at the age of 51. She coached at SF Unified and St Ignatius High Schools where her leadership skills and experience positively impacted her athletes and everyone around her.
Lisa loved music and dancing and truly lived a bold and beautiful life. Her family and friends will miss her beyond what words can capture. Her life has left everyone that knew and loved her with gifts that this world desperately needs. May we all strive to bring the gifts of grace, fearlessness, deep compassion, selfless humility, and courage to achieve greatness and challenge us all to be our best selves.
She is survived by wife Kathryn Keona Henry-Kinimaka, mother Pi’ilani Kinimaka, siblings James & Carol Kinimaka, John & DJ Kinimaka, nieces and nephews: Jaimie & Aaron Velarde, Jacquie & Jarred Hettinger, Hailey and CJ Kinimaka, and Grandniece Nohea Velarde who always brought out Lisa’s classic smile that lit up a room and will be fondly remembered.
A private memorial and celebration of Lisa’s life will be held in early January.
Donations may be made to Kauai Humane Society, SF SPCA and Canine Companions for Independence.