George C. Grimm

P.G. was born on September 19, 1920, in Platte, South Dakota to George P. and Helen (Minahan) Grimm. He graduated from high school in Platte, SD, in 1938. As a young man growing up during the infamous "Depression Era," an experience that he never forgot, he was employed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (AKA the CCC's) and worked all over the upper Midwest. While stationed in a CCC Camp in Chamberlain, South Dakota, George met and was awestruck by a local beauty named Dorothy Haley. They married in Butte, Nebraska, on February 22, 1941, and were lifelong partners and soulmates for over 68 years until her sudden passing on May 8, 2009, a sad event that George never recovered from.

George and Dorothy moved to Bremerton, WA, in November 1941, a few weeks before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Bremerton would quickly become a large, bustling, wartime city. Soon after arriving in Bremerton, George became employed as a plumber for a local company. In 1945 he was drafted into the Army and upon his discharge he became employed again for a local company as a plumber in charge of construction work all over Washington and Alaska. He resided in Alaska for several years in the early to mid-1950s. In 1962 George, along with his best friend and former boss, Art Metcalf, started their own Mechanical Contracting firm, Metcalf - Grimm Mechanical Contractors, Inc. located in Bremerton. George was actively involved in running a very successful business until his retirement in the mid 1980s. He was a past President of the Kitsap County Mechanical Contractors Association, and the Washington State Mechanical Contractors Association and was a Management Representative for the Board of Negotiators.

George and Dorothy became "Snow Birds" in 1969, traveling to their lovely winter home in Palm Desert, California, every year until 2006, when declining health made that trip, sadly, far too difficult to navigate. George was an avid sports fan and an active participant and ardent competitor for as long as his health allowed him to be. He was a member of the legendary Westpark Lanes bowling team that bowled in the major league in the 60's and 70's. He was passionate about his golf and was a longtime former member the Kitsap Golf and Country Club and the Palm Valley Country Club in Palm Desert, CA. He loved the Huskies and attended three Rose Bowls in the 60s. George also enjoyed casino gambling and horse-racing and was the proud owner of the Race Horse "Polynesian Flyer" that won numerous handicap races including The Canadian Derby in 1985. He also enjoyed watching the Seahawks and the Mariners. While residing in Palm Desert, CA, they were annual spectators at the Bob Hope Desert Classic Pro-Am Celebrity Golf Tournament and got to talk to and have their pictures taken with many pro-golfers and celebrities in the earlier fan/spectator-friendly years of the tournament. He was also a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge.

George was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68 years, Dorothy in 2009; son Michael George in 1941; daughter Jill Urwin in 2006; parents George C. and Helen Grimm; sisters Anna Bartekoski, Teresa Turnis, and Rita McQuary. He is survived by sons Douglas (Evelyne) Grimm of Marana, Arizona and Robert (Dorothy) Grimm of Lake City, Minnesota; sister Helen Pritchard of Manchester, WA; Grandchildren Bret Grimm, Brian Grimm, Shelly Friend and Sherri Pedersen; 7 great grandchildren and son-in-law David Urwin.

To understand George a little, please listen carefully to the words of the Frank Sinatra/Paul Anka ballad "I Did It My Way." George, you will be sorely missed but your memory will last forever. You have returned home and finally found the lasting peace you were seeking in the arms of your loved ones. Thank you God.

Read more: http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/aug/29/george-c-grimm-90/#ixzz1WYA6YfZt