Obituary of Ward Gilbert Grimes

Ward Gilbert "Gil" or "Gib" Grimes went peacefully to his Lord at his home after a long illness, surrounded by his family who love him so very much. Born in Visalia to Ward W. and Myrtle Grimes, he grew up in Fresno and has lived in Santa Cruz 45 years. Gil was a great musician, directing the Shack Band in Fresno in the late 1940's, and played his sax in other bands such as Johnny DeLaO's in Fresno, Vern Spaugh's Santa Cruz Band and many other groups over the years. He also did a Fresno radio show called "Gibby Grimes and his Peppy Teenagers". He joined the Army during the Korean War, auditioned and was accepted into the Army Yokahama Pit band. When his troop ship landed in Japan, he was told that there was a big breakthrough, all the band members were now in the regular infantry, and he was sent to the front. When the armistice was signed, he played for Vice President Nixon in Korea. When he returned home, he went to Fresno College on the GI Bill, taking Real Estate classes. He lived in Fresno, Clear Lake, and Los Gatos before moving to Santa Cruz in 1967. He built the small A-Frame building at the summit on Hwy 17 and opened his first Real Estate office, "Summit Properties". He later moved to Santa Cruz where he had 3 offices on 41st Avenue, the last one being "Help U Sell" Realty. In retirement he spent winters in his home in Acapulco where he belonged to the American Legion Post 4. He and his wife Nanette spent much time traveling, seeing the US in his RV and the rest of the world by planes, trains and ships. During his travels he made friends all over the world, in the US and especially in Mexico. His interests included travel, fishing, golf, the 49ers and Giants, flea markets, his many friends, both old and new, and most especially his 8 children, 14 grandchildren and 5 great grands. He was always a happy and smiling man with a heart full of love. To know him was to love him. He is survived by his wife, Nanette Quesinberry-Grimes, his brother, Donald Grimes (Gerry) of Fresno, sons Ward Randolph "Randy" Grimes (Araceli), Scott Stewart, daughters, Suzi Carilli, Kelly Davis, Vicky Hicks, Karen Smith, his adopted Mexico family: Cleto and Alicia Santiago; grandchildren, David M., Josh, Elliot, Jamie, Megan, Lindsay, Bradley, Ivan, Kaylen, Christopher, Ward Alexander "Alex", Ann Michelle, Diego, David S, 5 great granddaughters, nephews Kim and Kirk, many cousins and close friends. We will miss his quick wit and the happiness he spread, but thank God for the time we had with him. He was predeceased by his son, Scott Gilbert Grimes, daughter Debbie Stewart-Jacques, granddaughter Tiana Jacques and his parents Ward and Myrtle Grimes. There will be a memorial service at Santa Cruz Memorial Mission Chapel, 1927 Ocean Street on Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 1:00 P.M followed by full military honors conferred at graveside. Contributions preferred to your local Hospice.