Photo courtesy of Adobe Creek Funeral Home - Petaluma
Petaluma, California
Aug 25, 1954 – Jun 28, 2021
Kurt Jobe Grubaugh was born in Ohio on August 25th, 1954 to WW2 air force pilot and engineer Beryl Grubaugh, and librarian Dorcas Jobe Grubaugh. When he was still very young, the new family moved to what was then called The Belgian Congo, where his father had engineer work. Kurt had many vivid memories from this early period of his life and it set into motion for him a curiosity about other cultures and a desire to see the world. After Africa, Kurt’s family returned to the farm in Ohio, before moving to Arizona for Beryl’s health. Kurt fell in love with the desert, remaining in Arizona for many years, and graduating from Arizona State as an art major. Kurt moved to The Bay Area at a time when the technology revolution was just beginning. He worked at Colossal Pictures and Pixar, and went on to get a job as an “IT Architect,” as he liked to put it, in the pioneering days of Microsoft. His fascination with technology became a lifelong passion. He was a part of the community at Green Gulch Zen Center at Muir Beach for many years, and he enjoyed the lectures and company of like-minded scientists and innovators as a member of The Long Now Foundation in San Francisco.
Kurt had a hungry mind, was open to new things, and remained constantly curious. He was a voracious reader, avid motorcyclist, art lover, people person, and appreciator of the many wonders of nature. Kurt was most happy when he was helping people. He worked for many non-profits, and everyone who met him was touched by how present, kind, calm, supportive, funny, and caring he was. The world lost a great light when Kurt passed away peacefully, at home, on June 28, 2021. It was far too soon. He is survived by his wife, Jill Koenigsdorf, his sister Rebecca “Becky” Grubaugh, and his many dear cousins and friends.
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Oh how tough it is to lose sure a great soul. Kurt and I worked together for Joe Callahan in Phoenix. Sadly he now joins Joe in the hereafter. We will miss you both here on earth.
John randall Nelson
February 25, 2022 | Tempe
I only found out today that you're not here. You are there, instead. Somewhere that is so amazing and full of love and beauty. You gave of yourself and contributed to the human race in many ways. I feel honored to have known you while on earth, and I hope to meet up with you one day again. Much love and condolences to your family who still mourns your leaving. It doesn't seem fair that you had to go so soon. See you on the other side my friend. Love & Peace - Christie
Christie Adams
January 07, 2022 | Myersville, MD | Friend
I am so sorry to learn of his passing. He was always such a lovely presence at our talks at Long Now. He will be truly missed.
Alexander Rose
October 20, 2021 | San Francisco, CA | Acquaintance
1975 when he worked at the Arizona Country Club. He taught himself how to use nunchucks which are over his shoulders.
I met Kurt in 1970 when his father asked me to write to him while he was away at Culver Military Academy in Indiana because he was lonely (and he hated it) and needed a friend to confide in. He wrote amazing letters filled with beautiful illustrations and we became fast friends. Our first kiss was at the playground next to Navajo School Elementary School during a Christmas break then over time we became lovers for the following 7 years.
After a devastating motorcycle accident...
Ann Schwartz
July 26, 2021 | Eugene, OR | Friend
Dear Kurt, I am so sorry you were taken from this earth too soon. I was hoping that after the Pandemic, I'd get to see you and Jill more often, and get to know you better. Jill loves you so much. I will never forget her telling me about your first date (I think it was your first) when you went out on the water at night (in a kayak?) and everything was magical and filled with light. And the magic and adventure of many other dates, too! And the one time I actually made it to Boxing Day...
Lorri Holt
July 21, 2021 | Nevada City, CA | Friend
Dear Kurt, our families saw each other often during your youth in Arizona and we continued to cherish you when you came to California later in life. You were in our family home when my father passed in 2015 and I was so encouraged by your kindness to me. My mother often expressed how much she cared for you and I was so glad that you were able to attend her memorial. Your Uncle Kenny and Aunt Lou thought the world of you and the whole family was glad when you found so much happiness and love...
James Grubaugh
July 18, 2021 | Sacramento, CA | Family
Dear Kurt, I never met you but saw the radiance you brought to my friend Jill's life and heart. Thank you for who you were in your time on this planet and for bringing such joy to loved ones. With all my condolences at your passing.
Becca Lawton
July 17, 2021 | Friend
Missing you every moment of every day. Still talking to you though....and singing to you as well...I hope you are in a beautiful place and that you know how much you were loved....
Jill Koenigsdorf
July 13, 2021 | Spouse
Kurt, Our time knowing you was so brief but so rich. You brought a "joie de vivre" to Jill's life and by connection, to all your family and friends here in Kansas City. We'll cherish your memory.
Godspeed Big Guy,
Jim Koenigsdorf
Jim Koenigsdorf
July 13, 2021 | Overland Park, KS | Family