Ronald Grimstad was born in Minneapolis on February 16, 1947 to Stella and Frank Grimstad. He had an older brother, Bob, an older sister, Karen, and a few years after Ron, the family welcomed their youngest, Bonnie. In 1951 when little Ronny was just 4½ years old, the family moved to Burien, Washington, where Frank would work as an engineer and Stella was a nurse. The family was always active in their church, and Ron was an enthusiastic member of the youth group. He was also very active in sports, playing football and basketball at Highline High School. In 1960, the youth group brought Ron together with Connie Carlson, who would remain by his side for the next 63 years. They were married on September 9, 1967, one day after Connie’s twentieth birthday, because Ron didn’t want to marry a teenager! On June 4, 1969, they welcomed their oldest daughter Barbara, followed by Jennifer on June 17, 1973 (Father’s Day!), and Deborah on July 2, 1976. Ron loved being a dad, and later, was the best grandpa!

In 1975, Ron and Connie bought 5 acres in Kent, and set out to build their dream home where they would raise their daughters and live for the next 20 years. In 1980 he put in a pool that became the center of family, friend, and church community gatherings for many years.

Ron received his mathematics degree in 1969 from Seattle Pacific University and started his career as a math teacher and coach, first at Sequoia Jr. High, then Meeker Jr. High, and finally, Kentridge High School where he would remain until his retirement from teaching in 1999. “Mr. Grimstad” was a beloved teacher, coach, athletic director, and colleague, who impacted hundreds of young people throughout his career. Several years after he retired, he would still have former students approach him in restaurants or stores, often stating, “you were my favorite teacher,” with some adding, “even though I don’t use math!”

Ron kept busy during his teaching years by taking construction and remodeling jobs during evenings, weekends, and summers. After his teaching career came to a close, Grimstad Construction kicked into high gear building hundreds of homes in the Seattle area, providing the foundation for so many families to create their own memories and traditions. Grimstad Farms was born in 1995, with Ron and Connie hosting weddings, parties, church picnics, Christmas gatherings, and the most-famous Easter Egg Hunt. He got so much joy from seeing people congregate together in fellowship!

Ron was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2018 and fought a strong fight for the next five years until he passed on March 12, 2023. He was a beloved father, grandpa, brother, son, friend, teacher, coach, and mentor. His impact on this earth will last for many years to come!

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