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Craig Michael Grimm

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Lincoln High School Western Washington University

Craig Grimm Obituary

Craig Michael Grimm 4/15/1953 - 8/8/2007 Craig died August 8th of Burkitt's Lymphoma. He was born and raised in Tacoma and attended Lincoln High School. He received a biology degree from Western Washington University and attended Clark College for his RN. He worked for 30 years as a talented and knowledgeable nurse in a variety of areas, including open heart recovery, burn units, trauma and ICUs. He also held multiple positions with the Indian Health Sevice in Washington and Oregon, including serving as the Assistant Director of Tribal Health for the Puyallup Tribe. After moving to the Palm Springs, CA area Craig received his master's degree and taught nursing at several local colleges. Along with being a great companion and a wonderfully smart and funny person, Craig was a uniquely talented teacher. He understood all aspects of nursing and human physiology, and was able to effectively share his knowledge with his students in a nonjudgemental and creative way. Craig is survived by his wife Carol of Desert Hot Springs, CA, his brothers Todd and Vance (Kent and Auburn), their wives Paulette and Melinda, and two nieces, Samantha and Allysa. He will also be greatly missed by a great circle of friends in the Northwest who have known him most of his life, and who mourn his passing at such an early age. Craig's ashes will be returned to Washington state - his home - as his final resting place.

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Published by News Tribune (Tacoma) on Aug. 16, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Craig Grimm

Sponsored by TeamHealth West.

37 Entries

Barbara Bawlf

December 13, 2013

I have finally found what happened to Craig after a lot of searching. I was happy to see he went into nursing as I could tell he was a caring person. We went to Western Washington State College together in 1972 and lived in the same dorm for a short time. I always remember drinking wine with him after I had heard the stressful news that I was to soon have three exams in a row. After that we studied bleary-eyed in the library. My biggest regret is that I turned down his invitation to go camping.
Having recently lost a sister to cancer I offer my heartfelt and belated condolences to his family.

Barbara Bawlf

December 13, 2013

I have only now discovered of Craig's passing. I have been looking for a contact for a long time and then found that he had died.
I went to Western Washington State College (as it was then known) with Craig and lived in the same dorm for a short period of time in 1972. We were good friends and shared some common ideas about the world.
I will always regret having turned down an invitation to go camping with him.
Having recently experienced the death of my sister to cancer I send to the family my most heartfelt and belated condolences.

marilyn walther

November 7, 2007

Craig and I met when we were in Nursing School at Clark College. We became best friends and pushed, laughed and dragged each other thru school. We played tennis, joked a lot and if I hadn't dragged him thru the door at Kaiser Hospital for OB/GYN, he wouldn' have made it.

I gave him his first teaching job, in Medical Terminology and watched his devotion to teaching grow. His drive to excel in nursing and teaching were relentless and he certainly met these goals.

Keeping in touch thru the years was important to both of us, as we too, like others who have written we were
"Best Friends Forever". There aren't many anyone can say this of, but it sure was true for us, now and always. Love ya' Craig.

Pala Hope

September 14, 2007

Dear Todd and Vance,
I was so sad and suprised to learn of Craig's passing! He was such a vibrant person and we were able to renewed our relationship while we both worked together the Puyallup Tribe.
Because we all, (including my 2 brothers; Gary and Stevie), lived across the street from each other during our childhood, he and I would remanice about the old days, the new days, the in-between days and our future days for hours at a time. He moved away and I looked forward to us visiting again one day. I'll need to wait now until I also go to 'the other side'.
My wholehearted sympathy to you both, his wife, & your families.
He was my friend and I feel like I lost my brother.

Tim Patterson

September 3, 2007

Craig was one of those rare individuals who could deeply impact the lives of those he came in contact with in a very short period. I was fortunate enough to be one of his students at College of the Desert. But it is not as a nursing instructor who gave me both knowlege and confidence that I remember him most, I remember Craig simply as a wonderful human being who was fascinating to converse with on such a wide variety of topics. Our class met at 6:45AM at Desert Regional Medical Center but I always showed up at around 6:15AM as he did. In that half hour we would discuss astronomy, evolution, current events, you name it. Truly an engaging fellow. While I mourn his loss, I feel like a better person for having known him at all. He was my teacher, mentor, and friend.

Candy Grunt-Burke

August 25, 2007

I will truely miss the Criagorator; what many of his students referred to him as. He left an impression in my life and heart forever. He was a tough instrunctor- you better know it and know it well! On the other hand, he was the best at explaining processess and procedures. I always felt so comfortable asking him questions, because he really took the time to answer them in a compassionate way. It is a great loss to upcoming students to miss out on Craig's teaching. What a loss... I am so thankful to have had him as a part of my learning experience; I can not say that enough. He will be missed by so many.--Candy Grunt (from the "A" Team)

Beryl Trodd

August 22, 2007

Working with Craig was a deligt. He was knowledgeable, funny and one of the best instructors it has been my plesure to meet. The nursing profession has lost one of the best.

Dianne Doan

August 21, 2007

Words can not express my deepest sympathy for your loss, but the loss that will be felt by every student that Craig has taught.

What a great knowledge he carried and his unique ability to instruct his students like no other, and the determination to make us the the best nurses he knew we could be.

I will always be grateful for the relationship that I had with Craig, without his knowledge, and his way of teaching along with his dedication in the field of nursing I know that I would not have become the nurse that I have become today.

God Bless you Craig, for you have truly blessed mine.

Bill & Catherine Woodard

August 21, 2007

Carol, Craig was a friend in a former life. Sorry to hear of his passing.

Tamra Brodie

August 21, 2007

He reminded me of a Jack Nicholson. He was funny and made it fun to learn something that was hard. If I was stuck or couldn't quite grasp something, I would go to him. He had a way of making me understand, and laugh along the way. Thank you for that. You will be missed!
Tamra Brodie (the B team)

Wayne Boyer, RN, MSN

August 19, 2007

Craig's passing is truly a loss for his family and friends, for nursing education, and for the nursing profession. I got to know Craig better this summer when we taught together in the LVN program at College of the Desert. He was a professional nurse, a demanding instructor, and a caring man. His colleagues in the Nursing Programs at College of the Desert will sincerely miss him.

Polette Grimm

August 19, 2007

I have been married to Craig's brother Todd for the past 23 years. Unfortunately I never really got to know Craig. Time and distance had kept us apart. I have read all of the wonderful things that his friends and co-workers have written about him and feel that it's obvious how much he was loved and respected by all whose path he had crossed. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to Carol whom I'm sure will miss him the most. Craig has now moved on to another place where so many other members of our family have already gone. Craig, please say hello to Grandma Jane, Aunt Marion and especially to my beloved in-laws Pete & June. They are all greatly missed and much loved.
Till we meet again,
Polette Grimm

Amy Hodder

August 19, 2007

I hardly knew Craig at all. He was never my instructor at nursing school. But he did come to the rescue for some people in my class who needed tutoring before the final exam. I was impressed by his quick wit, and natural teaching skill. I heard rumors that he was a tough clinical instructor. I had a lot of respect for Craig. The college and the students will certainly miss him. What a shock. Prayers and condolences to his family and friends. If we are this shocked and saddened, I can only imagine how this must be for you.

Kathy (Gillard) Rushton

August 18, 2007

What a shock! I just returned from vacation and had several messages of Craig's passing. I met Craig in 6th grade. Craig was a great friend to me throughout junior & high school. When he came home from college he would come to my office (right around the corner from his parent's home) he would visit with me and catch up on old times. The last time I saw him was at our 20 year high school reunion. Craig, you were VERY handsome. You have always had a special place in my heart and always will. You wrote in my year book: "Dear Kathy, It was once said somewhere by someone that you never forget your first love. Well, I will never forget you." Craig, I hope you did not forget me and I never have forgotten you.

Carol, my heart aches for you. I am having trouble finding words of comfort. I wish you peace.

I wish the same for the family and friends. Craig will surely be missed. I will look forward to "hanging" with him again someday.

John Flament

August 18, 2007

I noted midweek the passing of another classmate from '71. Though I didn't know you well - at all, really - I do carry with me the memory of you sitting behind me in our god awful study hall when we were sophomores. One afternoon, sitting there bemoaning the whole situation and a bad case of "bleacher butt" you kept mournfully intoning, "Oh, mon dieu, mon dieu!" Of course, in total disregard to the French you were taking, you decided to say it like "fondue". Of course, you flirted with detention all the while. If Jack Murphy and Wayne Swanson could've pinned down the source of the wailing you (we) might be there still; as it was I was quietly laughing so hard it probably looked like I was in a seizure. You struck me then with your easy and friendly demeanor, and your irreverence. Go with mon Dieu, my friend.

Mark Hocevar

August 18, 2007

I for one will miss Craig tremendously as I had the opportunity to work with him at DRMC and as a student even more when he became clinical instructor for COD, even though I was past his primary clinical instruction semesters. His clinical rotations included the floor I work on.

We talked many times and in depth during the wee morning hours at work when our paths crossed between units, the lab and blood bank; it was during these conservations that I got to know Craig and realize just what a wonderful person he was. Craig always made the time to talk to me to see how I was doing and genuinely cared, he always offered to help me in anyway he could and always offered to make the time to so. He also always encouraged me and coming from him I can honestly say it did make a difference and will continue to not only in my last Associates Degree in Nursing (N4), but when I traverse to my RN to BSN in just a few short months, but my BSN to MSN and possibly my doctorates, and most importantly for the rest of my life in general. To date there is only one handful of teachers that has had such an impact in my life as Craig has had, but I am proud to say that Craig is in that list and that I know that I have been blessed to have known him.

Eventually, I earned Craig's respect and when he came up to my floor he would sometimes ask for my input on some patients so he could best assign them to his students (I have not forgotten I am still one of them.)

Needless to say I was shocked last night at work when I floated up to another floor to do a 1:1 and at dinner break looked up to see his obituary posted, obviously Craig touched many people here in the Palm Springs California area. Though I knew Craig for a short time he will always be in my life, I will always fall back on his words whether they are needed or not, he made that much of a positive impact on me.

Sincerely,

Mark Hocevar

Shannon Brock

August 17, 2007

Well for the first time in my life I am at a total loss for words. Craig was the greatest teacher anyone could wish to have. Unless that is if you were one that wanted to just skate by. Craig was a breath of fresh air. So smart and always knew the answer or where to find it. 30 seconds he would say thats all it takes to do an initial assesment. He would tell us just go in and take a look around then tell me what you saw. Well no one could have done a 30 second assesment and seen that this great man was going to be taken from us way before his time. If I learned anything from Craig it was to learn as much as you can and when you feel like you know it all go back and learn more then love what you do and let your love and you knowledge show in your work. I take great pride in the knowledge I have learned from Craig and somehow I feel im a better nurse, mom, and friend from knowing Craig. Rest in peace and my prayers are with you Carol and his family. All of us that have known Craig know that he is up there somewhere making em laugh and sharing his knowledge still.

You are so missed!!!!
With much love.....The A Team

Joshua Harrigan

August 17, 2007

I was very blessed to have gotten to know Craig as one of his students. His energy, enthusiasm,and passion as a nurse was seen everyday whether it be in the classroom or at clinicals. I admire Craig as a mentor, a nurse, and a friend and will always remember the times shared with him...he has influenced my life as a future nurse and a person

Sabrina Robinson

August 16, 2007

Carol, I am sure that you do not know me,Craig was one of my teachers for my L.V.N. nursing degree, I am happy that he came into our lives when he did, I am sure that he made me the nurse that I am today. He beat (assessments) into our heads. He would say without assessments down you have nothing. So I will always remember him (head to toes, head to toes. In my nursing career I will always remember him. He was a very special person.

Sharon & Glenn

August 16, 2007

Dearest Carol,
Although we have only met via the telephone, I am sending you a long, loving, hug replete with rivers of tears. I know how much you loved Craig and hope you may find the gift of comfort I am sure you gave him. Please come and visit when you can. Sharon, Glenn & Miss Greta

Diann (Hager) Pellessier

August 16, 2007

I met Craig in 7th grade. We became fast friends because we loved to laugh. Craig had the best laugh and sense of humor. We could look at the clouds and eat a bowl of grapes (we peeled them) and have great conversations of what we would do with our lives and solve all the problems of the world. After our great Senior year in 1971 I thought I would lose Craig because he was going “off to college” (where he stayed forever!) but every summer he came back and we always connected and had good times. Craig was an “all inclusive” guy. I met and partied so many of his friends from junior high, senior high and college because he would include me in his life. Even when he moved out of state – we called each other or Craig would stop by and visit when he was in town. Every once in a while we would try to get our friends together for some kind of reunion and tell stories old and new. Something always happened that was memorable and worth telling at the next reunion of friends. Now Craig is missing. My prayers are with Carol and the rest of Craig’s family. Craig is my best “guy” friend. I love him and miss him more than anyone will know.

Millie (Sawyer) Schaefer

August 16, 2007

Lincoln High School Class of 1971 - Craig, Doug, Jon, Diann and Millie. What a wonderful summer we had. You guys riding your ten speeds to Spanaway Lake and then coming over to Diann's house. We had a couple of "cold one" and listened to Cat Stevens, Crosby, Stills Nash and Young,Bad Company just to name a few. Those were the great times. Diann and I talk about you often and always wish we could have reunited. Someday we will. I know you are in a safe place.

debbie Peterson

August 16, 2007

I have been very fortunate to meet Craig Grimm in 1988, when my father was diagnosed with terminal cancer. My father was very happy when Craig took on his nusing care. His up lifting spirit had been a blessing to my father. He felt very comfortable with Craig.
Craig had gone above and beyond to support my father with his illness. There was many times we would call Craig late at night or early in the morning and he would always respond and assure us that it was okay to call. My father hold total faith in Craig and we have always been thankful.
I worked with Craig here at the Puyallup Tribal Health Authority and he was a joy to work with. I loved his sense of humor.
This is such a great loss.
He sure will be missed. My blessings to the family.

Donna Johnson

August 16, 2007

On behalf of the staff in the Emergency Department at Hi-Desert Medical Center, we send our heartfelt love and prayers to Craig's wife Carol and his family. Although we didn't know Craig, Carol is one of our family here and knowing her, we know Craig was a wonderful person.

J Ting

August 16, 2007

Dearest Carol:
My prayers are with you during this difficult times. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

Roxie Patlan, LVN

August 15, 2007

Craig was not only the best nursing instructor God gave to the world, but he was also one of the best human beings. He was strict because he cared. He was tough because he knew you had something to offer. He was also caring and compassionate. He loved his job. He was so intelligent and full of wisdom. He will greatly be missed. He always said that he wanted us to be the best at what we did because if he was ever at the other end of the hospital bed he wanted to make sure you knew what you were doing. I'll miss that sense of humor. I feel such a sense of loss and I feel robbed of a wonderful and caring person. Craig I hope you knew what a great and influential person you were. You will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart.

Todd & Denise Sallenbach

August 15, 2007

We knew Craig mainly through his wife, Carol, and knew of her love for him. We hope and pray that the pain of this untimely loss will pass quickly for Carol, and that Craig's current journey will be as good as or even better than his journey on Earth.

elizabeth velasquez

August 15, 2007

It was sad news when i heard i thought you were a great instructor who had alot to offer us students what i carry with me as a nurse and know is because of you, i send my deepest condolence to your family thank you for the wisdom you added to my nursing career i will carry it always

Sharon Emmerson

August 15, 2007

Good bye my friend. This isn't the way we had planned it, eh? We were to have had such longer lives and always live closer to each other and our friends in the NW in the golden years. We had that unspeakable, explained only by long hugs, tie that bound us from the start. I will never forget your infectious smile, words of wisdom, wonderful stories and long hugs. Good bye my friend. Until I see you again. I love you Craig, my friend.

Judith Knudsen, L.V.N.

August 15, 2007

Craig was a challenging and kind teacher. It wasn't always easy but it was the best learning experience a nursing student could hope for. I will always remember Craig as someone who I respected very much and considered a friend. The knowledge he had will certainly be missed by the current students who will never get to know him.

GLADYS FLORES

August 14, 2007

I MET CRAIG IN 2005 IN NURSING SCHOOL HE WAS AN EXCELLENT INSTRUCTOR. HE WAS A UNIQUE PERSON WITH EXCELLENT KNOWLEDGE TOWARDS NURSING SKILLS. CRAIG WAS TOUGH BUT EXCELLENT AT WHAT HE DID. I WOULD LIKE TO SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS LOVE ONES. I NEVER HAD THE CHANCE TO THANK CRAIG FOR BEING A DEDICATED INSTRUCTOR,SO THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF HEART.

Jessica Voigt

August 14, 2007

I had the pleasure of being one of Craig's students. This man has touched my life in so many ways. He started my career and will be with me always. Craig you are missed more than you know and I will carry the knowledge you have given me always. I will continue in your foot steps. You are my friend and mentor. I miss you more than you know.

Aleyda Goldberg

August 14, 2007

I knew such as sad news today, and I couldn't believe it. Craig, you were a great instructor, I always told you. You always wanted us to be a good nurses, and we will. We got bunch of knowledge from you, we will keep it in your memory, and put them in practice at the patient's bedside.

Salvatore Gray

August 14, 2007

We often go through our lives learning what we do from many different teachers. It is a rare few though that can truely be called mentor, that inspire, foster our growth, feed our spirit, adjust our vision, and touch our hearts. Craig has been one of my greatest mentors on this path I have taken towards nusing. My life and knowledge has been blessed ten fold by my interactions with him. I will carry his memory with me always, and share his wisdom and love he shared with me with each person that I give care to the rest of my days.

Linda Murphy

August 14, 2007

I had the pleasure of working with Craig in the nursing program at COD for the past 2 years. I so enjoyed his irreverent sense of humor; he always had something funny and somewhat sarcastic to say about everything. He was refreshing to talk to, great with his students and his fellow instructors, and I will miss him very much

Doug Dunster

August 14, 2007

Craig was my best friend for the past 38 years. We spent our late teens and early twenties sharing a lot of adventures, learning about life, and developing our philosophies and view of the world. He was there for me when my dad and brother died. Craig was always there and now he is gone. It was so sudden, it is still hard for me to believe.

Since Craig moved down to Desert Hot Springs we had been getting togther for an annual outing. Two years ago we went to the Grand Staircase-Escalante area and last year we had a reunion with John, Jamie, and Craig Allen at Death Valley, the scene of many of our earlier adventures. Craig was generally the guy that would take the initiative to get us together. When we weren't solving the worlds problems, we would often reminisce and regale each other with our past adventures. This past weekend I wrote down 15 pages of stories of my memories of the many adventures we shared over the years. I will be adding more, but will be missing all the ones we won't have now. Thanks for the memories. I miss you buddy.

Fred Donnell

August 14, 2007

A neighbor who turns out to be a good guy is a gift. One who turns out to be your best friend is a blessing. Craig's "pop-ins" at family gatherings were welcome and such a bonus. I will miss our hikeing/camping trips but moreso I will miss our chats on your patio. Our "boys night out" when our wives were traveling will stay with me forever. Shock, disbelief and a horrible sense of loss fill my heart. Eternal peace and rest, my friend. I will never forget you.

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