R.R. Bob Greive

R.R. Bob GREIVE R.R. Bob Greive, a West Seattle political legend, passed away peacefully July 1st. Bob was born in Seattle in 1919, to Raymond George Greive and Kathleen Featherston Greive. He was exposed to politics early in life by his mother, a democratic committeewoman. He attended O'Dea High School and was graduated in 1939 from West Seattle High School. He attended Cornish College of the Arts, where he studied commercial art. He served in the Coast Guard during World War II, where he drew illustrations for Coast Guard publications. In 1946, at the age of 27 while attending the University of Washington Law School, Bob won a seat in the Washington State Senate promising to bring "youth and vigor" to the office. He completed his law degree at the University of Miami in 1951. While on the East Coast, he met and married Barbara Cough, his wife of 39 years. Upon his graduation, they moved to West Seattle and he started his law practice. They had six children and were active members of Holy Rosary Catholic Parish. Bob represented the 34th legislative district for 28 years. A consummate politician, he was Senate majority leader for 16 years. He used his influence and skill to champion labor issues, a fair tax structure, a clean environment and legislative redistricting. He helped countless democrats get elected to the legislature. In 1974, he won a seat on the King County Council where he served for 12 years. He led both the council's and Metro's finance committees. He played a pivotal role in replacing the West Seattle Bridge. After 40 years in office having lost only his second election in that time, he focused on his law practice and education. In 1991, he earned a Ph.D. in political science. His thesis was published in 1996 as the book "The Blood, Sweat and Tears of Political Victory. . .and Defeat." The book is a how-to for political candidates. The State Bar Association honored him for his 50 years as a member of the bar and the Washington State Capital Museum dedicated a redistricting game in his honor. He is survived by his sister, Alberta Ward and his children: Bernadette Lucas, Mary Long, Kathleen Deakins, Ray Greive, J.J. Greive, Tom Greive and eight grandchildren. The Funeral will be Wed., July 7, at 10 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle. Arrangements are being handled by Howden-Kennedy Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Father Mallahan School Endowment Fund to benefit Holy Rosary School.