EDWARD GREFE

GREFE EDWARD A. GREFE Edward Alexander Grefe, full of vigor and spirit until his final moments, died unexpectedly on February 17, 2017. An autopsy report is pending. Family, friends and colleagues describe Ed as a kind and extraordinary human being with an incredible presence. He left a lasting impression on those he met. He will be remembered as being colorful, charismatic, generous, passionate, fearless and insightful. Ed always had big, bold ideas and was always trying new things. His red convertible and colorful wardrobe exemplified his style. His last several birthday celebrations included skydiving, trapeze lessons and zip lining. A native of Washington, DC, Ed was born on May 31, 1937. Growing up in DC's Brookland neighborhood, he was a member of the first class at Archbishop Carroll High School and also graduated from Catholic University. Ed spent more than 40 years in communications and politics working at various times in his career as a journalist, legislative aide, political strategist, VP of Public Affairs for a Fortune 500 Company, entrepreneur, grassroots organizer and graduate school professor. The Public Affairs Council bestowed him the honorific title of "the "inventor of corporate grassroots". Ed was an impassioned champion of American good government and a true renaissance man who contributed so much to so many in his distinguished and colorful career. Survivors include his wife of 12 years, Liz Meitner of Washington,DC, children Keith (Sunny) and Nicole who reside in NJ, his niece Casey Gignac and family in Columbia, MD, and other extended family members in Maryland and in the Netherlands. A celebration of Ed Grefe's life will be held on April 29 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the George Washington University Elliot School of International Affairs, located at 1957 E St, NW, Washington, DC in the City View Room. To continue Ed's legacy in creating change makers in the world of government, politics and public affairs, donations can be sent to the Ed Grefe scholarship at the George Washington School of Political Management where Ed taught for over 25 years. go.gwu.edu/give2gspm.To">go.gwu.edu/give2gspm.To continue Ed's legacy in creating change makers in the world of government, politics and public affairs, donations can be sent to the Ed Grefe scholarship at the George Washington School of Political Management where Ed taught for over 25 years. go.gwu.edu/give2gspm.