When a political figure dies suddenly, there is a collective agreement in the community to only speak words of praise.

For Duke Bainum, it isn't too hard to find nice stuff to say. Even his fiercest political enemies spoke yesterday of his dedication to public service.

Bainum wasn't a warm and ebullient Uncle Aloha figure, but he was genteel, composed and approachable. He walked through a crowd like he was happy to see people, not just glad to be seen. That says a lot for a guy who was the target of personal attacks by opponents bent on tarnishing his name. A lesser man would duck and hide. Bainum answered questions, took phone calls and was out in his community shaking hands with vehemence. He somehow managed to never come off as defensive. He seemed so confident in his mission.

Over the years, he told the story of his transition from physician to politician in different versions, but always with the same ending. In one, it had to do with being the doctor assigned to take a young gunshot victim off life support and staying with the boy as he died. He thought of how the death might have been prevented, and decided the answer wasn't medical. "If I could have a bit of political influence, I could affect thousands of people with the signing of a pen. I know that sounds hokey, but I believe it," he said in an interview.

In another telling of his story, it was his experience on a volunteer medical mission in Nepal.

"I realized after being there, as hard as I worked, I had only been able to help a few people. I made a promise to myself when I got back I would get more involved in public service," he told a reporter in 1990.

Some people are happy if they can positively affect just one life. Bainum wanted to do more. You have to admire that sense of purpose.

Bainum left Hawai'i after the brutal 2004 mayor's race, which he lost to Mufi Hannemann. He came back last year to run for City Council, working hard to push aside charges of carpetbagging. Bainum was suddenly everywhere, every Palolo community event and Manoa bon dance. He wasn't a very good dancer, but he was a good sport. He was with his kids at school carnivals, Gymboree music class; doing things like standing next to King Street at Stadium Park, enforcing crosswalk safety for elders.

His sudden death is a reminder of the fragility of life. His life was an example of a man intent on finding the best way to serve.