Oliver Lee Grimes
Those of us who had the privilege of growing up in Arabia came into contact with a great number of people. Some we were closer to than others, and a few became life long friends. One family that crossed my path, for which I am most grateful, were the Grimes, Oliver and Barbara, Cindy, Candy and Michael. In 1951 we were neighbors and soon became friends. That friendship continues today, some 50+ years later. We left Arabia in 1968 and the Grimes stayed 34 years. We kept in contact over the years and miles. When they could, the Grimes would stop by and visit us when on vacation. It was always a good time. After they retired and moved to Carson City, my folks and I made several trips to see them, spending two Christmases with them. It was always good to get together. There was a comfort level with them that cannot be put into words. I know many of you brats have similar relationships with other families. After my folks and my sister passed away, I made several trips to see them. There was a comfort in being with old friends. We didn't have to entertain each other. We could just sit and chat, or do nothing.
Growing up, Oliver Grimes always impressed me. He had a quiet and graceful charm that is difficult to put into words. I do not ever remember seeing him get upset, although I am sure he did. I just never saw it. Laughter was also a prerequisite in the Grimes household. When my father and Bobbie Grimes got together there was no telling what would happen, only that laughter would result. My mother and Oliver were kind of the straight men to the other two.
Some 9 years ago, Oliver was diagnosed with ALS. I don't know how many of you are familiar with this disease up close and personal, but it is an incredibly, devastating and insidious disease. When Oliver was diagnosed with ALS, I felt physically ill. This seemed to me an incredible injustice. One of the early symptoms in Oliver's case was that he began to loose the ability to speak. For awhile he was able to communicate by writing down what he was trying to say. Then it progressed to the stage where by the time he got his pen and paper ready, he would forget what he wanted to say. At this point he would simply shrug his shoulders and smile. He amazed me with his grace and courage while still in the grips of this disease. He faced his condition with incredible dignity and bravery. His ability to laugh and smile was one of the most heroic things I have ever seen. I admired and respected this man, probably more than anyone else I have ever known.
Oliver Grimes passed away Wednesday. He is survived by his wife Barbara, daughter Cindy Grimes Craig, daughter Candy Grimes Scott, and son Michael Grimes, his grandchildren Josh, Kelso, Alex, Meghan and Kevin, all of Carson City, Nevada.
The world will not mourn this man's passing. He didn't do anything that affected world events. He was not well known. However, for those of us who knew him, he did affect all of us with his quiet grace and dignity, his devotion to his family and friends. I am sure most of you who lived in Arabia from 1951 to 1985 had some contact with the Grimes.
I will miss him as I miss my parents. Those of us who knew the man will be the greater for having known him He was a kind man, a gentle man, the consummate host, a man with no pretensions. What you saw was what you got. The world would be better off if there were more people like Oliver Grimes, or more people who aspire to be as he was.
There will be a memorial at the Walton's Funeral home on Monday, February 7th at 3pm. The family asks that in lieu of flowers that donations be made to the Oliver L. Grimes Memorial Fund, C/O US Bank, 1001 North Stewart Street, Carson City, Nevada, 89701, USA. The monies will go to ALS families in the Carson City area. Please give generously, as this is an ugly disease.
Mrs. Miller's Idiot son Christopher
Chris Miller
DH 66