Condolences

Grimms,

Condolences to you and the family. It saddens to hear of his passing.
Ray was a great teacher and friend. I will carry a little Ray with me always.
The photo is from a trip Ray and I took to Archie Bray in Helena Montana, 1995.

Regards, Kurtis Piltz

A Father to Many

Hi Jere and the family,

Been thinking about Ray since Dale called me.
I called others who felt they had had a father in Ray.
Someone to show them that everything was possible.
The way all fathers should.

We shared a few stories.


As I helped our youngest daughter get on her flight to Istanbul at 3:a.m. in San Francisco right after the call from Dale I knew somehow that Ray had made it possible.

I know Ray knew how important he was to me.

You're in our thoughts with love,

John and Carol Rogers

Early Years

Here are some pictures from the early years. Click on one to get a better view. Mouse-over to see the titles.

Thanks Dad

In 1976 when I was twelve years old, Dad led Luke and I on a grand bicycle ride from the western edge of British Columbia, two thousand miles across Canada. That took about four weeks. Dad and I then headed South into the US while Luke continued Eastward in Canada by himself.

Incidentally, soon after my 13^th birthday as we rolled into Grand Forks, North Dakota to pick up the Vespa Mom sent us in a crate that we would also ship our bikes back home in and so we could continue our journey by Italian motorbike - a baby was born in Evreux, France, named Benedicte Ricordel, who would become my wife and the mother of our child, Elouan. I had no idea at the time, of course. I also did not know that Dad would pass away peacefully a few doors down the hall from where Elouan spent his first few days of life, eight months earlier.

These are pictures of our return from the cross-country bicycle trip in ‘76 (one of dad riding across the Thurman Street Bridge, one of the welcoming party at the other side). This trip was one of many, many amazing adventures Dad led us on that have shaped our lives and inspire us to this day.

-Carl Grimm

 Ray and Jere (circa 1960)

 Ray (circa 1956)

 Ray and Jere (circa 1955)

 Ray after earning a Master's Degree

Ray in Europe (1949)

Ray with his work

Ray with Christa and Eric (circa 1958)

A Great loss to the Community

This is a great, great loss to the community. Ray will be missed. It bears mention that Ray moved to Portland to found the ceramics program at Portland State University in 1957, and brought glass hot shop concepts to Portland from the famous Toledo Workshops in Ohio. Between his teaching at PSU in ceramics and glass, and the many artists he's taught, mentored and advised over the years, Ray's contribution to Portland cannot be overstated. All of us at Museum of Contemporary Craft will miss him very much.

~ 

Namita Wiggers,

Portland, Oregon

Haystack

It’s been a lot of years since I spent those wonderful days at Ray Grimm’s kiln building workshop at Haystack.

I was a neophyte to pottery, and had newly injured one arm besides. Ray was more direct than any instructor I’d had, yet he was kind, even to the few beginners. My husband and children came down and watched on the periphery as we baked newly caught Alaskan salmon on the first completed kiln and laboriously built and tried out all the other kilns. My favorite was the Indian smoking mound on the beach, and I still smile when I notice the
pebble-shined blackened pottery we fired that day and replay a strong sense-memory of the heat on my face as we moved the pottery and the fire closer to each other. I met wonderful potters there who became friends, and couldn’t wait every morning to get back to kiln/clay instruction. All these years later, though I don’t remember all his words, I still feel the camaraderie of that time, and the admiration I felt for the Master. I will always be grateful for having had at least one experience learning directly from Ray Grimm.

- Maria Jakub

Friendship

Dear Grimms,

I remember as a child my parents' friendship with Ray and Jere. We'd come to visit and I'd be transported to a wonderland of eclectic art and works in progress. Then as more years passed I got to know many of you through our time at MLC. And still, I loved the visits to your home and the constant warmth and merriment from Ray and Jere.
I am sorry to hear of Ray's passing but sure he will live to the fullest in whatever comes next for his spirit!
Love and warm thoughts to all of you,

Suzy Hunt Powers

Gardens and Chickens

Grimm Family:

I am so sorry, and saddened to hear of Ray's passing. What I will remember most about Ray is the twinkle in his eye. Every time I saw him: family get-togethers when we were kids, caroling parties, at the farmer's market, even just a few months ago at the harvest party, he always greeted me with his warm smile and that twinkle in his eye. His warmth, kindheartedness, and genuineness flowed from his whole being. I feel blessed to have known him. In his honour, my garden and chickens await!
Peace to your family during this time of grief.

Angie Taylor

 Ground Hog Day 

 The Good Old Days

This is how we will always remember Ray!

The Basement

We always enjoyed our visits to the Grimm household and a trip to the basement to see the collection of Ray's work. We couldn't leave without a piece of art and bring it back to Minnesota. Thanks for the warmth you brought our home. ~ Norm Larsen, January 28, 2012

This picture was taken at your home in Oct of 2011.

A Quote That Reflects Ray Grimm

This quote from George Bernard Shaw has always reminded me of my dad….

This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can.

I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.

- Contributed by Sarah Grimm

Goodbye Dad

It has been hard to say goodbye. I will always miss you. Fortunately, I am comforted knowing that you lived a full life of uncompromising courage, passion, and humility, and also that you were (and still are) surrounded by love.