I was a totally lonely boy. I had no friends. I kept statistics for the basketball team. We played a game at Sylvester Junior High. After the game, the students were cheering the teams by the bus. Ron Grimstad turned to me and said, "They are cheering for you, Ed". My years of loneliness ended. We sat together on the bus. We sat next to each other in Spanish Class. I was near him at his student patrol post at lunch time. He became my friend. All my emotional feelings were with him. He went to Highline High School and I went to Glacier High School. I sure missed him. When I knew I would never be with him again, in October 1963, I was so sad. All my tears were for him. It was that way for me until 1980.

My condolences to the entire Grimstad family. I was a student in the 7 th grade at Meeker JrH, and then at Kentridge. He was a kind teacher with the patience of Job. I was NOT the best student, as math was very difficult for me. He would try very hard to mentor me so I could make it without completely failing his courses. He got the funniest looks when, after fully explaining something, he’d ask me if that made any sense. I’d just look at him and say, “Clear as mud”. He’d would get a look that I’m sure would’ve been translated as, “My Lord, what is wrong with this child?”, but he was far to kind to get mad or berate me. He was just that way. Over the years, I’ve never forgotten him,  and have told the story to my kids and grandkids, of the man who tried so hard to get me to understand Algebra and Geometry.  Mr. Grimstad,  thank you for all the help, and showing kindness and patience to a student who REALLY tried, but just didn’t get it. 

I was saddened by the news of Rons passing. My love to you Connie and your beautiful daughters and grand children. Deb has kept me informed and sadly I was out of town for Ron’s memorial or I would’ve been there. He made a big impact in my life. Much love to each of you.💜🙏🏻

Dearest Mr. Grimstad...I will always have the warmest memories of you from school...and in my adult life....I wish your family love and joy and  with the memories to hold dear.

 -Kelly Chamberlin-Beach

If there was one person to teach and coach your child it would be Ron.  He was the best role model - honest and straight forward as could be. He really walked the walk.  I think he had that rare ability to make everyone around him better. Thanks for all you accomplished.

Ron was a teacher of mine beginning in seventh grade. He was one of my coaches at Kentridge. There were a few of us that did summer jobs with him. The mornings would start at o dark thirty and the day would end with a jump in the pool.  There are several us out there that recall very sharp elbows on the basketball court. He was a mentor who taught me so many things that I’ve carried into adulthood.  Thank you Ron. You will be missed.

Mr. Grimstad was one of the reasons that I decided to become a teacher.  He was a such a powerful example of the adult that I wanted to grow up to be.  A fantastic role model in every sense of the word.  He will live on in the impact that he made on so many young people.  

I was so sorry to hear about Ron's passing. Ron, "Mr. or Coach" Grimstad is one of those figures that I was very fortunate to have in my life as a high school student and athlete. Coach Grimstad and Helgeson both were that guidance and direction in a young person's life that I was so lucky to have.  I can still see both of these guys smiling down, great job guys, you left a great legacy of helping so many kids.  My condolences to the entire Grimstad family, God Bless!