Reuben Charles Grimstad

Reuben Charles Grimstad

Mar. 23, 1911- Nov. 16, 2004

Reuben Grimstad, born in Deluth MI passed away in Mesa, AZ. Rube moved west to Oakland, CA at an early age and from there came to live with his father in Alderwood Manor, WA in the late 1920's. His eighth grade education as well as the Great Depression led Rube and many others of the "Greatest Generation", to become a jack-of-all trades. As a carpenter, a plumber, a mechanic and a machinist, he found a variety of work including working at the Demonstration Farm in Alderwood Manor and raising chickens with his Dad.
He opened Rubes Fix-it-Shop on Highway 99 in Lynnwood in the mid 1930's. From toasters to mowers to blade sharpening to whatever, he'd get it done. After learning the art of welding, he worked for the Pointer-Willamette Co. in Edmonds WA.
He began going to Alaska during the fishing season as a cannery machinist. He went north for twenty one seasons in a row, stopping only for steady employment in law enforcement in the early 1950's.
Rube and Crisanna Nachtrieb were married in 1938 and had one son. In 1945 he built the building at 19832 Highway 99 in Lynnwood that served as a home as well as a rental occupancy on the lower floor. It is still there.
He was a Deputy with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Department for two years before being asked to be and accepting the job of Chief of Police of Edmonds, WA. After serving s Chief for fifteen years, he retired in 1970. Rube, and the people who worked with him, started the rebuilding and reshaping of the Edmond's Police Department, paving the way for the modern department that the E.P.D. has become. As chief he gained the respect and admiration of most, if not all facets of the community.
In his retirement, he and Crissy became snowbirds, enjoying various areas of Southern California and Arizona. Rube was widowed in 1989 but continued to snowbird. He met and married Barbara in 1992 and they kept each other happy until his death.
Rube is survived by his wife Barbara; son Bruce; three grandchildren, four great-grandsons,; one sister; one brother and four nieces and nephews. Aside from his heart disease, Alzheimer's and pneumonia were prevalent.
Per his request, no ceremonies will be be performed after cremation. God Bless!