Richard Webster Grieves

Richard Grieves, November 21, 1937 – September 10, 2025 Richard Webster Grieves was born in Glen Ridge, NJ, on November 21, 1937, the son of Walter and Lucille Grieves. He grew up in Chatham, NJ, where he attended public school, followed by Blair Academy. In 1960, he graduated from Princeton University and fulfilled his military obligation by serving three years on active duty in the US Air Force. Following graduation from law school at the University of California, Berkeley in June 1966, he started his distinguished law career in public service as Deputy Attorney General for the state of New Jersey. When the family moved to California, he became Assistant District Counsel for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. In 1987, he joined the Law Department of Northrop Grumman as a counselor, advisor, and mentor in environmental law. “Dick advised the company on each of its significant acquisitions. He wove together his extensive administrative law and regulator experience with his gift for problem solving and as an effective communicator and, by so doing, he created a model of positive relationships with his clients and his colleagues.” A colleague said to Dick when he had his first open heart surgery, “only a doctor could say there is anything wrong with you heart.” 

While in Law school, he married the love of his life, Carol Elizabeth Lockley, on June 27, 1964. Together they had the privilege and pleasure of parenting two children, Elizabeth and Walter, who in turn have presented three precious granddaughters, Lockley McElroy and Farra and Skylar Grieves. Great joy came from camping and skiing with his family, reading to his granddaughters, and fishing with his friends. Of note is the rebirth that Dick realized through the discovery of the gospel of Jesus Christ at Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in 1975. From then until his Home-Going, he treasured the opportunity to worship and serve the Lord Jesus. 

Dick discovered choral music early in life through church and school programs and maintained his love for singing through the years. While in college, he joined an a cappella singing group, the Princeton Nassoons, singing bass. He sang with alumni of the ensemble for over sixty years. He sang with the University Glee club of New York City and, most recently, he sang with the Bainbridge Chorale, Bainbridge Island, WA. For Dick, singing, especially hymns of the faith, was a true form of worship no matter the setting.

 Dick was truly a wonderful soul with a kind word for everyone. His smile, warmth, generosity, and spirit of friendship touched others, especially his family whom he dearly loved. Integrity filled this man of God. Micah 6:8 fits him well: “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

 Dick is survived by his loving wife Carol, his wonderful daughter Elizabeth and son Walter, and his three precious granddaughters, Lockley, Farra, and Skylar. 

Contributions in Dick’s name may be made to Operation Nightwatch, Seattle.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island.