Garth Clyde Grissom

Passed away peacefully on December 27, 2007 in Denver, Colorado, at the age of 77 surrounded by family. Born in Syracuse, Kansas, on January 24, 1930, he grew up on a family farm and attended Syracuse High School and then Kansas State University. He pursued post-graduate studies at Harvard Law School and Cambridge University in England on a Rotary Scholarship. After serving in the United States Army he returned to Harvard Law School and graduated in 1957. In 1958 he married Elena Joyce Kerst who was the love of his life for 49 years until his death. He and Elena raised four sons in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. His law career of 50 years was characterized by unwavering ethics and clear direct communication. Garth found his vocational passion early and enjoyed practicing law up until the age of 75 working his entire career at the Denver law firm Sherman and Howard. He was active in the Denver Bar Association serving a term as President and helping to support pro-bono legal assistance to the Denver community. He was a member of the Denver Rotary Club for 34 years, also serving a term as President. Lastly he was active in the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity on a national level for many years, also serving a term as National President. Throughout his life, he faced multiple sclerosis with courage and stubbornness. Disability never hampered his enjoyment of life, family, or friends. Garth loved to hike, hunt and fish and made regular trips throughout North America to pursue his angler passion. He definitely enjoyed his family and was a pillar of support to them throughout his life. Garth is survived by his wife Elena, sons Colin, Grady, Cole, and Kent, and daughter in-laws Abigail, Lynda, and Laura, grandchildren Brooke, Grady, Sydney, Cassidy, Elena, and Hilary, brother Pat, nephew Mark, and niece Charlotte. He is preceded in death by his parents Clyde and Bernice, and brother Grady. The Grissom Family will hold private services. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Denver Bar Foundation, 1900 Grant Street, Suite 950, Denver, CO 80203 (these contributions will be allocated to the Metro Volunteer Lawyers, a program which Garth helped found to reach pro bono legal needs in the community). Contributions can also be made to the Denver Rotary Club Foundation for their youth programs, 1900 Grant Street, Suite 850, Denver, CO 80203.