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Walter GROSVENOR Obituary

GROSVENOR, Walter B. "Spike" Walter B. "Spike" Grosvenor passed away peacefully on September 16th, 2019 after a long illness. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Erlene Grosvenor; his three children Franklin, Dennis and Heidi, their spouses and five grandchildren. Spike was born in Portland, Oregon. After graduating from West Valley High School in Spokane, he spent two years serving in the U.S. Army. He received his B.A. from Whitworth College. During his time at Whitworth he pitched on Whitworth's 1960 NAIA National Championship baseball team. After college he started an art program at Issaquah High School where he taught for five years. He earned his Masters degree in Art Education from University of Washington. Spike was a Professor of Art at Whitworth College for 31 years during which time he coached baseball and later founded and coached the varsity soccer program. He was a member of the board of directors of the Stained Glass Association of America where he chaired the education committee and directed it's Stained Glass School. His artistic creations can be seen in various locations including the Hixson Union Building on the Whitworth University campus and at Millwood Presbyterian Church. Services will be held at Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Bothell, WA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Emmanuel Presbyterian Church.

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Published by Spokesman-Review on Oct. 9, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
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andrea tuinstra

October 3, 2020

Spike comes to mind often as I learn professionalism and maturity in creative service in pottery and musicianship. He understood how to garner respect and to deliver expectations. His challenging me that way is how I think of him now. Good teacher.

Katherine and Gordon Baugh Baugh

December 17, 2019

Dear Erleen, we were shocked to read in the Whitworth booklet of Spike's passing. Our love and thoughts are for you and your family. We are headed to Spokane on Christmas day. Hope to connect with you in June when we go to Monroe for family reunion. Our cell is 9717720254. We text and phone. Call when you can. Kay hears better than I do so she can talk. If you travel this way, please stop by. Love, K&G

Mark Henderson

October 11, 2019

Whitworth College was a much better place when Coach Spike was guiding us youngsters on the ball fields and sharing his artistic expertise and creativity in the studio/classrooms. He encouraged me to join the Pirates baseball family in the early 70's and forego traveling afar to Stanford or other schools. Those Whitworth experiences became profound for an only recent high school graduate. The growing Grosvenor family were a joy to know, as well, and my young wife was thrilled to babysit the two oldest children.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Erlene and the children and rest of the family and close ones. Spike was loved by everyone and returned those blessings many times over. May he rest peaceably and the millions of memories he "painted" carry on for those all who will miss him greatly.

andrea tuinstra

October 10, 2019

Though I was unaware of his passing, my memories of Spike came to me tuesday night this week. I shared with a colleague at the local Spokane "Scripts and Scribes" calligraphers meeting, that I took Spike's calligraphy class at Whitworth. I shared what I will share here, that Spike was not afraid to hold a standard and expect adult behavior and professionalism from students-or anyone. I miss and appreciate him so much now. During that time in my life, he was a witness to me, and I understand what he was communicating through his hard work and self-discipline as a teacher and artist. He went out of his way to be a mentor for me, and I am grateful to him and his family for taking me into their home one summer, and for showing me that I can reach higher than I knew. Also, that dignity, discipline and self-respect are required in the Arts to succeed and to enjoy the fulfillment that comes from doing your best and being your best. Bless all the Grosvenors and generations to come. Comfort to all of you at this time.

Phil Maulding

October 10, 2019

Spike was my Whitworth soccer coach '84-85 and I took two leaded glass classes from him.
Excellent man. Talented Artist. Great sense of humor. One of my favorite professors, awesome teacher and mentor.
I remember him fondly every time I look at one of my "stained" glass panels
Peace & comfort to the family.

Ken Ruud

October 9, 2019

Spike, I remember being on the faculty with you at 'Issy' and getting to know your family. Rest in God's arms.

Tom Schoesler

October 9, 2019

Thanks to my first baseball coach who gave me a love of the game and was a big influence in my young life. Still remember the First American Title and CSC teams. Thank you and Rest in Peace.

October 9, 2019

Thank you for your service to our country. Rest In Peace.

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