Howard Ray Grimes 91, passed away peacefully, November 17th at Hospice House in Vero
Beach, Fl, after an unsuccessful battle with lung cancer. He was born on a small cattle ranch
in Manilla, Iowa. He rode a horse to school, bouncing along with a violin strapped to his back.
A favorite childhood memory of Howard's is when he and his Dad herded the cattle onto the train,
taking them to the Chicago stockyards, and then riding back to Manilla in the Caboose.
He went on to become Captain of his football team, Captain of his basketball team, and Class President. He received a football Scholarship to Grinnell College. After Graduation in 1940, he received a contract from Tim Mara with the New York Giants for $125 a game. The contract
is on the wall in his study, and he overheard a friend of his Grandson's say" Wow! Imagine what that would be worth today". Jamey answered: "Not much. He's 80 years old". The pay of $125 per game, and doubtful longevity of the job were not as tempting as a career
with Aetna Life and Casualty Group Div.
So Howard and his lifelong friend, Grant Thomas, from Nebraska, drove across the Country to Hartford in an open Ford. What a time! They began their long careers with Aetna, matching
successes every step of the way. Neither of them had ever been east of the Mississippi.
After a pause for World War ll service as an Air Corp Pilot, he climbed the ladder with Aetna. He settled in Wellesley Hills, and became Vice President of the Northeast Region.
In 1964 Howard was named a Sports Illustrated Silver Anniversary All-American. An honor that recognized athletic ability and contribution to society.
Upon retiring from Aetna in 1981, he Co-Founded Benefit Services, Inc. (BSI). He and his
Partner, Jack Coughlin made a pact to only do business with people they really liked. It was
a huge success, and is now run by Bruce Coughlin.
Howard and Olympic Champion, Tom Corcoran, started the Waterville Valley Ski Area, and
continue to operate the Land Development Co., although the Ski Area has changed hands
several times. He spent every Winter skiing Waterville Valley, all the great Ski Areas in
the U. S., and most of the Great Ski areas in Europe.
Howard was an avid skier, known for his off-piste exploits. He had his best racing time just
a few years ago. Finally he discovered his beloved Vero Beach, and has enjoyed golf and
tennis at the Moorings for the last fourteen years. But his Love was always skiing!
He is in the Grinnell Athletic "Hall of Fame".
He has been a long time member of Weston golf Club, Ma, Bald Peak Colony Club,
Moultonborough, N. H. and The Moorings Club in Vero Beach, Fl.
Aside from singing and his great love for Family, his favorite things were writing doggerel,
repairing things with ductape, and Popcorn!
He married his College Sweetheart, Dorothy Bergren Grimes, who pre-deceased him.
He is survived by his Wife of 16 years, Nancy Palmer Grimes, of Vero Beach, Fl. and Waterville
Valley, N. H., and Daughters: Patricia Sava of Merida, Mexico, Susan Funk of Ipswich, Ma.,
Nancy Grimes of Hardwick, Ma., Sally Barron, of Chester Springs, Pa. and Waterville Valley,
N.H., and Laurie Douglass of Lake Forest, Il. and Wellfleet, Ma., and Step-daughter, Dr. Debra
DeMuth, Of Chicago, Il. Ten Grandchildren and three Great-grandchildren.
a Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 29th at Christ by the Sea
Methodist Church in Vero Beach, Fl.
Interment and "Gathering" will be held in Waterville Valley, N. H. on July 24th, 2010.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to VNA Hospice, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, Fl. 32960;
Christ by the Sea Methodist Church, 3755 Highway A-1-A, Vero Beach, Fl 32963;
New Life Church of the White Mountains, P.O. Box 28, Waterville Valley, N. H. 03215, or AbilityPLUS Inc. P.O. Box 253, Waterville Valley, N. H. 03215.