David Alan Grimm

1945 - 2017

David Alan Grimm unexpectedly and prematurely passed away August 24, 2017 in Sacramento, California, at the age of 72. Loving and devoted husband of Arlene Ellen Grimm, his soulmate and best friend, for 44 wonderful years. Beloved proud and exceptional father of Tammy and Julie (son-in-law, J.P.). World's greatest grandpa to Lexi and Brooke. Born on July 11, 1945 in Dallas, Texas, to Joseph J. and Anita Grimm, who preceded him in death. David graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington, Texas in 1966 with a B.A. in English, minors in History and Education. He taught Secondary School English at Edinburg Junior High before enlisting in the United States Navy, where he proudly served his country during two tours as a Hospital Corpsman in Vietnam. This training led to LVN licensure. While in the service, David became a pen pal, through the USO, with Arlene. They met in Monterey Park, CA in 1972 and have been together ever since! After the birth of daughter Tammy, David and Arlene moved their young family up to Oregon, where David worked in Medford and Roseburg as a Registered Nurse for the Veterans Administration Hospital from October 1978 to August 1986. It was here that daughter Julie was born, and many life-long friendships were formed. In 1986, David moved his family to Sacramento, where he worked for Kaiser Permanente as a California Registered Nurse-- and ultimately Charge Nurse-- until his retirement in November 2009. David's kind heart and passion for caring was his remarkable and unique gift to the world; he was incredibly proud of his years as a nurse, where he excelled at making people laugh, smile, and heal in some of the worst days of their lives. He found good in everyone, and inspired all those who met him. In his retirement, David and Arlene traveled far and wide together, taking frequent trips to the beautiful Oregon Coast, which David cherished. They also took more exotic adventures and countless cruises throughout Europe, Asia, Mexico, Canada, and the Caribbean. He was Grandpa of the Century, playing, reading, coloring, chasing, and treasuring time spent with his granddaughters. David couldn't stop talking about his children, Tammy and Julie, and loved his son-in-law as his own son. David treasured attending numerous concerts, plays, movies, and musicals with Arlene, and going to dinner and outings with his close friends, who he always considered family. You could frequently find him behind a BBQ at a family weekend dinner, or discussing investments, stocks, life, music, memories, and politics with family. He loved spending time gardening, but his biggest passion was his family and friends. He greeted each person with a big hug every time he saw them, and truly loved life. Everyone who met him felt an instant connection to his inviting, giving, and compassionate soul who always placed himself before all others. David's wife and family knows David will be remembered for his charitable, kind heart, his precious soul, and countless family trips and memories made throughout his life. The family will use his compassion, hope, affection, and love of life to guide them in coping and going forward with their lives. David's favorite character was Figment at EPCOT/Walt Disney World. To him, this small purple dragon represented the imagination that every person-- young or old-- should embody. The family will continue to pursue their imagination in his honor. David lived by the words of Desiderata; his family and friends will now "go placidly amid the noise & haste, & remember what peace there may be in silence." A Celebration of Life will be held for close friends and family on September 23, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., at The Carmichael Recreation and Park District Clubhouse, 5750 Grant Avenue, Carmichael, CA 95608. Lunch will be provided. A private burial for immediate family will occur at Mount Vernon Memorial Park, 8201 Greenback Lane, Fair Oaks, CA 95628. Contributions in memory of David can be made to his Favorite Charities: Lupus Foundation of Northern California or Loaves and Fishes. David, I will always love you more. Love, Arlene