Obituary of Donald S. Grieve

Donald Stanley "Skip" Grieve

Skip was born to John and Ethel Grieve on September 30, 1928, and passed away on March 22, 2021. The middle son of three boys, he grew up in Roslyn, Washington. Skip had many fond memories of his paper route in the snowy winters, his summers working at the sawmill and for the U.S. Forest Service, and his passion for basketball, baseball, and football. After graduating from Cle Elum High School in 1946, Skip joined the Marine Corps and was stationed in San Diego and at Sand Point Naval Air Station; he enjoyed playing on the Marine Corps basketball team and forged lifelong connections with several fellow Marines. Benefiting from the G.I. Bill, Skip attended Central Washington University, where he earned his degree in education. On August 7, 1954, he married Louise Lievero. They started their teaching careers in Puyallup; Skip worked at Maplewood Elementary, then East (Kalles) Junior High, and finally West (Aylen) Junior High, where he taught 8th grade History and English. Skip maintained many close relationships with his colleagues, who treasured his kindness, humor, and friendliness. He spent his retirement traveling, reading, and walking with his dear friend Merle Mitchell. He was devoted to his family and enjoyed many meals, celebrations, and holidays with them. He was known for his hearty appetite (and notorious sweet tooth), his boisterous laugh, his habit of answering specific history questions by going all the way back to the Revolutionary War, his transformation into a social butterfly at certain events, and his delight in discussing books of all kinds.

He will be deeply missed by Louise, his beloved wife of 66 years; his children, Margaret and Eric (Shelly); his grandchildren, Ashley (Ryan), Alison (Gabe), Logan, and Juliet; and his great-grandson, Niko. His sons Donald and Douglas preceded him in death.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Lynn and Vicki Dawn for their loving care of Skip during his final weeks. In remembrance, the family suggests donations to Skip's church (Christ Episcopal Church, in Puyallup) or to the Pierce County Public Library.