William H. Grover
1938 - 2021
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Allen Hawthorne lit a candle
Wednesday, October 26, 2022
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I fondly remember Bill Grover as a friend and fellow student at the Art Center School (now Art Center College of Design) in Los Angeles 1959-1961. I wish we had reconnected later on - I didn’t know he was in New Haven at Yale, while I was close by in New Canaan working for Eliot Noyes (23 years). He was such fun, had many interests. Recall that he joined a small group of musicians and, one summer semester, toured Europe, playing “for their supper” everywhere they went.
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Mary Risseeuw lit a candle
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
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When I think of Bill it brings a smile to my face. He was always up for something fun or interesting and got my husband Paul to play along. Years ago one of them found a fiberglass boat that had hoped to be a steam launch but never progressed further than the back yard. The two of them and another friend decided to buy the boat move it to our backyard where they would turn it into and electric launch. They eagerly cut the deck out and then it sat and sat for years actually growing a little tree in the dirt that accumulated in the hull. Now, my husband was famous for his totally over packed garage filled with all things for boats and I mean ever fitting and obscure piece of hardware possible. When Paul turned 50 Bill and Dee decided to make a special home made video gift for his present. They asked me if they could video in front of the green "launch" hull and in the garage, I said yes and heard nothing more about it. At Paul's big birthday shindig Bill calls everyone around the TV and pops in a video tape. Up comes a commercial of B&D hawking marine hardware.
" So my salty friends you say you've been to every store along the shoreline and can't find that special pintle fitting. Your worries are over, come on down to Paul's Garage where you will find everything you can't find at those marine hardware stores. No need for store hours, he's awake all day and all night, it's never too late to find just what you need in Paul's Garage. Not only will you find it he'll help you mount it, it's 6 in the evening - let's do it; it's 2 AM - no problem."
Bill and Dee made a great team weaving the boat parts and quips together having everyone roaring with laughter. Just as they made a great team for the video, they made the perfect couple, weaving a strong and beautiful life together.
Dee - I know this is a dreadfully difficult time, lean on your friends and family, they are there for you and want to help.
Bill is fine, probably playing his trumpet with his buddies and sailing his Blue Jay on the river.
Sending so much love to you Gigi and Amy, Mary
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Shu-Hsien & Royd planted a tree in memory of William Grover
Monday, October 25, 2021
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Dear Amy and family, we're sending big hugs from California. May the wonderful memories of your dad sustain you during this time. Thinking of you all.
Please wait
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John Schroeder posted a condolence
Monday, October 25, 2021
To Bill's Family and Friends, I extend my deepest condolences. I worked at Centerbrook from 1998 to 2004. Centerbrook felt like a family to me and this was due in large part to the wonderfully personal, supportive, and fun culture created by Bill and others. I worked on a few projects with Bill, but mostly our interactions were casual, chatting over a beer near the falls, up on the roof, or around the table. Bill encouraged me as I set up several social activities such as the office art gallery, a lunchtime film series, and an evening bowling league. He was a wonderful man!
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Victoria Su lit a candle
Friday, October 22, 2021
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To Dee and family, my sincere condolences to you. I knew Bill in his later years at CBK, not that well, but as a novice architect, his presence was kind and encouraging. I always appreciated that, and still do. I am sad he's passed, but good memories remain.
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Suzy Burke lit a candle
Thursday, October 21, 2021
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Bill was definitely one of the good guys. He was both brilliant and kind, a rare combination. He was also a natural leader and a wonderful storyteller. Bill gave so much to so many in this town and others, and he will be sorely missed.
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Jill, Chip, Montana, Guion and Devon planted a tree in memory of William Grover
Thursday, October 21, 2021
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Sent with love and remembrance,
Please wait
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Jill Vaughn posted a condolence
Thursday, October 21, 2021
I have so many fond memories of Bill - where to start…
His generosity, creativity, integrity, and of course, humor — maybe I’ll start there.
Many of you know that Bill with his clever design skills could make just about anything. So, to solve a geese problem, or to just get a rise out of the local boaters, he made a floating, wagging-tailed crocodile for the pond in back of his house. Oh yes, it is very lifelike and stops all that see it in their tracks, except maybe the geese of course.
Years ago, Bill got a hold of my son’s school portrait, complete with his curly locks. He then proceeded to photoshop an enormous afro the size of a watermelon onto my son’s head. This was back when this technology was brand new, and Bill being the techie he was and into the latest, did his magic with the cloning tool. It was hilarious and so convincing we still cherish the picture.
Or maybe my memory takes me to Bill’s sense of fairness, integrity and generosity. When I was President of the Essex Art Association I needed wise council and asked if he would serve on the board. He graciously accepted. But first he had to become an artist member, a then-requirement for a board member and an easy task for him since he was multi-talented and an amazing water-colorist — Bill could make anything shine in his paintings, including being skilled at drawing chrome onto pictures of cars from his early days working for the auto industry. As we brought the Art Association’s by-laws into the 21st century, Bill was very much onboard with making EAA more inclusive and open to artists. Definitely a Bill thing — he never had a bad word about anyone and was forever generous. Now, as you walk up the stone steps and hold onto the stainless steel railing of the Essex Art Association, you are holding onto Bill’s design and the generosity of Bill and Dee Grover. Even in his absence, forever giving to the community.
I will miss Bill dearly, blessing to all his family.
Jill Vaughn
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Dave Baldwin posted a condolence
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Bill was a multitalented,intelligent, personable, and witty man who had an exceptional and meaningful life. To Dee and family: “I am sorry for your loss and am thinking of you.”
Dave Baldwin
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Bill Rutan posted a condolence
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Bill Rutan As a local carpenter, I had the opportunity to work on some of Grover’s architecture projects. We also met on the Connecticut River frostbite series in the Bluejay fleet. At a turning point in my life, I mentioned to him that I was looking for a career change, not really expecting anything to come of it. But it did! Not long after he hired me to work at CBK. It was a life changer and I am forever indebted. One of my projects was the CBK partner bathroom renovations. These were not simple paint the walls and replace the fixtures renovations. Except Bill’s. He had me do minimal work and then came in on his own time and added the finishing touches. It was “minimalist” and yet it was a true Grover.
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Ann Griswold posted a condolence
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Extending my sympathy to the Grover family.
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Janice Atkeson posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 20, 2021
Dee and family,
I am saddened to learn that Bill is gone. Some years ago, he was a strong competitor in our Tuesday night Ideal races at EYC. His many talents and contributions to our community will be greatly missed.
Janice Atkeson
Thursday
21
October
Visitation
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Thursday, October 21, 2021
Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home
34 Main Street
Centerbrook, Connecticut, United States
860-767-8000
Celebration of Life Ceremony
A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held in the summer of 2022.
- 34 Main St | PO Box 105 | Centerbrook, CT | 06409 | (860) 767-8000
www.rwwfh1894@gmail.com