Donald Samuel Grove passed away Monday, Jan. 15, 2024, at his home in Dallas, Ore., with his family near. Don was born in Nampa on Sept. 2, 1938, to Sam and Fern Grove of Nampa, later of Lewiston.
He lived his 85 years to the fullest. He was proud of his Norwegian heritage, loved competition and challenged himself to achieve and learn all his life.
Don lived his younger years on a 960-acre ranch with his two brothers, in Kamiah, near his grandparents and cousins. He started school there through sixth grade and remained close to the cousins and friends from that time. At 10 years old, after an accident that almost took his arm, his father bought him a Selmer saxophone for therapy to improve movement of his fingers. That was one of the most important things that guided his future.
The family moved to Boise where he graduated from junior high school before moving to Lewiston. Don continued with his music, playing in the band and at 15 started his own band. The group was hired to play one summer at the Lodge at Wallowa Lake for room and board. On Chief Joseph Days they received half the gate, $100 each. Don graduated from Lewiston High School with a football scholarship in the class of 1956. That class has remained close through the years.
Don started his freshman year of college at Yakima Valley College, playing football and first chair in the band, while taking classes for an engineering career. He soon realized engineering was not for him. He loved math, so he switched to education, with an emphasis on math.
In 1958, he enlisted with the U.S. Marines and was stationed on Treasure Island where he easily found his place with the Marine Corps Band performing concerts for dignitaries and crowds all over the U.S. and Canada. After his time in the Marines, Don continued his education.
In 1962-65, Don taught with two years of college in Wallowa and Myrtle Creek. Each summer Don returned to work for Potlatch Forest Mill in Lewiston. In the summer of 1965, he met and married his wife Jan Faris, who was his love and partner in life as well as in business for 58 years.
He earned his bachelor’s degree at Lewis-Clark Normal College in Lewiston. In 1967, he and the family moved to Lebanon, Ore. Don taught eighth grade math, coached football and girls softball at Lebanon Middle School, later becoming Lebanon Junior High.
Don earned his master’s degree at Western Oregon and continued to attend classes in math through the years. He designed a problem-solving class that has resonated with many of his students.
Don retired after 30 years of teaching at age 54. He and Jan moved to Cannon Beach, Ore., where they spent nine years. During his retirement years, Don and Jan attended gunshows all over the United States, meeting many people who remain friends today. He studied constantly about all Winchesters and gained the respect of collectors and buyers for his knowledge and his quality Winchesters. Don and Jan moved to Dallas in 1998 to be closer to family.
Don loved teaching and was an excellent teacher and a competitive coach. He taught and coached all three of his children. During his 85 years he was a talented musician, fierce competitor in racketball, table tennis and tennis, avid bow hunter for many years, fanatic 49er fan, loved collector cars, accomplished poker player, Winchester dealer and forever a proud Marine. In his younger years he was hard to keep up with.
He loved his family and is survived by his wife Jan, children Tammi Grove Burns, Jeff Grove, wife Donna, Kristie Grove Albrect, eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, brother Larry Grove, wife Debby, nephews and cousins.
Bollman’s Tribute Center of Dallas is in charge of arrangements.
