We were deeply saddened to learn that Greg LaGoy, CEO of Hospice Maui, Inc., passed away this past Tuesday, January 4, 2022. Greg was a founding member of Kōkua Mau, current Treasurer of our organization, a strong advocate for hospice care in our islands, and above all, a true friend and respected leader.
We are still trying to process this great loss. We all know that our lives are but a fleeting moment, but it is so hard to accept when this happens so unexpectedly.
Although it feels Greg left us far prematurely, his accomplishments and contributions will have a lasting impact in our islands. He distinguished himself as the consummate leader and advocate of hospice care for more than 30 years on Maui. He joined Hospice Maui, in Wailuku, as its Executive Director in 1990 and was then lifted to Chief Executive Officer, growing the organization from a staff of six to 70.
He was a positive force for healthcare on the Valley Isle and in our state. In addition to being one of the founders and president of the Hawaiian Islands Hospice Organization (HIHO), the predecessor organization of Kōkua Mau, Greg served on the boards of directors of the American Heart Association, Maui Division, Haleakala Waldorf School and the Mental Health Association in Maui. He also served in leadership roles to support the American Cancer Society Professional Education Committee, Maui United Way, the Interim Health Care Professional Advisory Committee, and the Maui Long Term Care Partnership Steering Committee.
Most recently, Greg served as a member of the Maui Memorial Medical Center Ethics Committee, Hale Makua Home Health Professional Advisory Committee, Maui Health Care Partnership Steering Committee, and the Maui Non-Profit Executive Directors Association.
Greg’s dedication and decades of hard work benefited thousands of hospice patients and their families. He was recognized as Maui’s Outstanding Executive Director as a Cameron Center Award Recipient, a prestigious honor for nonprofit leaders on the Valley Isle.
While many will fondly remember Greg as the champion of quality hospice care, many may not know how prolific he was. After receiving a degree in chemistry in Potsdam, New York, Greg became a Navy pilot, flying for the U.S. Coast Guard in the Great Lakes for four years. After living in New Zealand for three years, he moved to Seattle where he completed his four-year training as a naturopathic physician and practiced on Maui for few years before he joined Hospice Maui.
For further information, photos and to make a donation in Greg’s name, please visit the Hospice Maui website.
The immediate family is caring for each other and is not yet ready for inquiries and visitation. There will be opportunities for memorials at a later date.
With much aloha and gratitude for the role that Greg has played to improve care for those with serious illness and at the end of life in Hawai‘i – On behalf of Kōkua Mau – Jeannette
- To honor the life and legacy of Dr. Gregory LaGoy, Hospice Maui has established the Greg LaGoy Memorial Fund.