Howard W. Grimes

ATHOL - Howard W. Grimes, 85 of Athol, died Saturday, July 11, 2009 in the Quabbin Valley Healthcare. He was born in Athol, on February 8, 1924, the son of the late Captain Earl H. and the late Lena E. (Farrington) Grimes. Mr. Grimes grew up in Athol and graduated from Athol High School with the class of 1941. He is a veteran of World War II serving from 1943 to 1946 in the European Theater. Upon his discharge, he was employed by the L.S. Starrett Company in the main office. At the age of 26, he moved his family to Denver, Colorado and attended the University of Denver where he received B.S. and B.A. degrees in 1953 graduating with highest honors. He later completed graduate studies at Indiana University School of Savings and Loan. After moving back to Athol, he joined the Athol Co-operative Bank as the office manager in 1955. He became Assistant Treasurer in 1957 and was named Treasurer in 1959. He became President in 1961 until his retirement in 2002. On October 28, 1970, Mr. Grimes was elected a director of Massachusetts Co-operative Bank League, which at that time, represented all of the 148 Co-operative banks in Massachusetts. Under his leadership, the Athol Co-operative Bank, acquired the John Prescott Co-operative Bank in Clinton. The two banks became known as the Athol-Clinton Co-operative Bank with the main office in Athol. In 1971, with the purchase of the vacant lot next to the bank at 90 Exchange St., Mr. Grimes had the existing bank building remodeled to provide additional office space, reception area and a conference room and provide easy access to the drive up window and customer parking. In 2000, the former Ray's Pharmacy at 251 Exchange St. was purchased and renovated for the new location of the loan department. He has always taken an active part in the community. He was vice chairman of the Athol Bicentennial Committee, a long time member of the Athol Salvation Army Advisory Board, Athol Industrial Development Board and the Athol Memorial Hospital Advisory Board and many others. He was a member of the Petersham Orthodox Congregational Church. He leaves two daughters: Deborah S Lynch of Carver, MA, Dorinda C Grimes of TX and one son: Wayne J. Grimes of Athol, one granddaughter: Kelly A. MacLean of Easton, MA; and two great grandchildren: Riley M. and Connor M. MacLean. He was predeceased by two brothers, Paul A. Grimes and Lloyd R. Grimes, and by his infant son, Dale W. Grimes. Private funeral services will be held at a later date. Calling hours will be held Wednesday July 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Fiske Funeral Home, 1356 Main St. Athol. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in his memory to Salvation Army, 107 Ridge Ave, Athol, MA 01331 $(document).ready(function(){ });