Search by Name
Search by Name
William "Willie" Grindstaff Willie took his final ski run May 5, 2104. He was born 3-12-30 in Sumus, WA, and was adopted at 13 mos of age from Seattle Childrens Home by Harold and Myrtle Grindstaff. He grew up on local farms. After graduating from T-90 in 1948, he joined the Army. During his H.S. years he met and then later married his sweetheart of 63 years, JoJo Grindstaff. Their marriage was blessed with two children, daughter, Terry Jo and son, Mark Lee. Willie served in AK during the Korean War and was discharged in 1952. He worked for Boeing before taking a job with WA State Highway Dept., retiring in 1981. Shortly after retiring he worked for Grant and Assoc. Skiing was a HUGE part of his lifetime, starting in H.S. and continuing during his enlistment. Willie was involved in many teaching aspects; Power Squadron, Boating Safety, Hand Drafting and of course, SKIING!! He owned and operated Oly Ski School for 24 yrs, and taught many years for Crystal Mtn Ski School. Willie is survived by wife JoJo; daughter,Terry (Rick); son, Mark (Pam); five grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many extended family members. A celebration of Willie's life will be held on Sunday, June 1, with a "Finger-Food" pot luck, at Lacey Comm Center from 2-5 p.m. Donations may be made to a charity of choice. YIP! YIP! YIP!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I first met Willie in 1970 when I was 16 I had never been on skis and he used me as a guinea pig for the instructors. I proceeded to ski right down into the ski school shack and everyone had a good laugh the rest was history I was hooked on the mountain lifestyle. I went off and ski bummed for a couple of years , went to college and returned to Oly and began teaching for Willie and Oly Ski school in 1977. I was so lucky to have Willie,Rusty, JoJo and the gang in my family's life for so many years, Cindy and I raised our 3 kids in that ski school,after Cindy and I were able to buy a little place at Crystal in 1994 I stopped teaching but every Saturday and Sunday for the last 20 years we would see Willie with the Crystal gang and he always had a smile and a hug and a Yip Yip for all of us. All us Dinsmores have been blessed to have Willie and JoJo in our lives for 45 years both in Boston Harbor and crystal, I will miss you Willie but I will never forget you you have been such a big part of mine and my family's life. Kim, Cindy, Ian, Sam, and Kate Dinsmore
June 2, 2014
Willie was a great friend and a great teacher. He was also one of the most fun persons to ski with.We will miss him.
Art and Teresa Pond
May 29, 2014
What a great life! The affect Willie has had on so many lives is inspiring...a great accomplishment, a life well lived. Well done. But we miss him.
Annie Zilla (McLain)
May 29, 2014
Great memories of Willie, bonfires on the beach when I was a kid to drafting at DOT, I'm in a very small minority with this comment but I never got to ski with him!!! He's one of those guys you knew would live forever, and he will in our hearts.
Jay Christianson
May 14, 2014
We always enjoyed talking with Willie at the mountain.....sharing razor clam stories. Will miss his genuine smile and twinkling eyes.
Fred and Susan LaMadrid
May 12, 2014
I wasn't in Willies older 'girls' class but he would offer a hint as I would ski by them. Always a friend. Margaret Sibold
May 11, 2014
JoJo and Family...I am so sorry for your loss. Willie was such a good friend to mom and dad and I remember well all the trips that Willie made to visit with dad after mom's passing and I so appreciated that (and I know it wasn't always easy to be around dad). There will be a day when we're all united again and I am looking forward to that day! Love, Hugs, & Prayers to you all.
Deb Calderon
May 10, 2014
JoJo and family. I remember when I first met Willie at Olympia Ski School. I was selling Pre skis and from that moment on he was your immediate friend and always invited me to the ski school functions. Over the year I got to know him as a wonderful person with a heart as big as a basketball and a love for everything that he did. His presence on the mountain was immense. It was an honor to be his friend along with the rest of the world. I just wish there were more people like Willie. We would have a wonderful world to live in. The powder in Heaven is all yours, my friend and I am sure you will share it with everyone just like always!...Bob
Bob and Jolene Boice
May 9, 2014
Willy's genuine enthusiasm for skiing and running the ski school was so infectious that the Forest Service rep. stood up and listened during the several meetings that were held in Enumclaw concerning the ski school programs being run at Crystal. He was a real leader and inspiration to me and to all of us. I miss you and love you as a brother Willie! Wait for me on Top!
Jim Sammons
May 9, 2014
May 9, 2014
It was always a delight seeing Willie and his posse at Bayview Market on Thursday mornings. I loved it when he talked about the old days of Olympia Ski School and all his adventures. I will never forget you and your smile. I am better ski instructor for knowing you.
Dan Kruger
May 9, 2014
Picture of Willie and my dad in Sept of 2005.
May 9, 2014
JoJo, thanks for sharing Willie for all of those years. I will always cherish the fond memories from ski school both as a student and as an instructor. Love you papa willie, YIP YIP YIP
brian Missildine
May 9, 2014
When I was born, Willie was there. When the family went boating, Willie was there. When the family went hiking, Willie was there. When the family went skiing, Willie was there. I sure will miss Willie.
Glen Campbell
May 9, 2014
I owe my love for skiing to Willie, The patients he showed to the beginning skiers, was the Pleasure he shared with all. I will never forget how he skied backwards to watch us and help us along. A Sweet, Sweet Man his passion for skiing rubbed off on me, and made each day a great experience. I will miss your smile......Mary Lynne Carson
May 9, 2014
JoJo, Julie and I send our love your way. I have never known anyone who squeezed so much out of one life as Willie did. We will miss him so much. Ed
Ed Younglove
May 9, 2014
Love and miss you Papa Willie. I am so lucky to have had you in my life and so thankful that I got to see you on Sunday. JoJo and family, you are in my thoughts, love you all. xoxo
Ali Brown
May 9, 2014
Loved that man! I will never forget his laughter and smile! Not to mention his love of adventure! Love Gin
Gin McCarty
May 9, 2014
So many fond memories on the ski hill and on the water. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jo Jo.
Beth Lonseth
May 9, 2014
So hard to believe he is gone yet we all know he will live on in our memories for many years to come. I will miss his huge smile and twinkle in his eyes when he came to SSS racetrack. He was also such a hoot. The memories will keep him alive forever. Hugs, prayers and love to one and all.
Laurel Jensen
May 9, 2014
Jo and family.......Willie was such a large part of our lives and he will truly be missed, but will remain in our hearts forever. Our love and thoughts are with you....
Deb Brown
May 9, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Jo, and your family. Willie was So much fun to work for at Crystal, running the Olympia Ski School. My children have such fond memories of skiing, and Willie was a huge part of their continued love of the mountain and skiing. Thinking of Willie just makes me smile!
Karen Fynboe
May 9, 2014
Dru and I are saddened by Willie's skiing away from us. We and all of your friends from the snowsport world share your loss. We remember his good natured humor with fondness. jed
Jed Dubuque
May 8, 2014
Jo and family,
We're sad to know he's "moved on," but so glad we knew him, and especially had a good visit recently when he was his usual cheerful self! May all the wonderful memories you've shared with him over the years carry you through the sad times without him. He was a very special guy.
Frank and Colleen
Frank & Colleen Slater
May 8, 2014
What a wonderful man to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him as well as his family. He will be greatly missed by his family as well as the entire community. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his family.
The Woody Family
Neil Woody
May 8, 2014
Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Funeral services provided by:
Mills & Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park5725 Littlerock Road SW, Olympia, WA 98512
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more