Tommie Parks Grover Sr.

Tommie Parks Grover Sr. a beloved member of the Skokomish community and enrolled member of the Quinault Indian Nation died, Monday, April 3, 2017, surrounded by family and friends.

Tommie Parks Grover Sr. a beloved member of the Skokomish community and enrolled member of the Quinault Indian Nation died, Monday, April 3, 2017, surrounded by family and friends.

He was born on June 21, 1952, to Kenneth Sr. and Tillie Grover in Aberdeen, Wash. He spent his childhood on the Quinault Reservation in Taholah and in central California.

He attended school as a child in Taholah and later attended Alameda High and Moclips High School. Along with his brother Ron, he was an avid football player, basketball player and was a boxer. He attended college at Haskell University in Lawrence, Kan. where he studied journalism.

In his younger years, Tom learned to fish on the Quinault River. He inherited a ground from his uncle and would later also fish on the Chehalis River.

Although he loved the water, the baseball diamond is where he was at home. He played for well into his 60’s, and coached children of all ages. He was a member of the Taholah Stars, who were known throughout Indian Country as a team that always shined bright and won often.

Tom shared his knowledge of the game and his passion for discipline and hard work with many throughout the years. He was coach, mentor and father figure to numerous youth in the communities in which he lived. He brought out the best in those he coached by helping them to push past their own limits and embrace hard work, discipline and dedication.

He enjoyed photography, collecting baskets and artifacts. He especially loved hosting big family dinners for the many young ones who called him Papa. Everybody has a Tom story. His generosity, strength and humor will be missed sorely in Indian Country throughout the Pacific Northwest.

He is survived by his wife Margie Gouley, his loving partner for over 30 years; his children Marc Randolph, Michelle Ramirez, Lenissa Grover, Tommie Grover Jr., Jolene Grover, Jesse Gouley, Sophia Grover, Willie Grover, Amanda Grover; his siblings Kenneth Comenout, Lorna Grover, Kenneth Grover Jr., Patricia Grover, Annabelle Grover, Jessie Stevens, Ronald Grover, Charlie Grover; and 19 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sisters Willa Grover, Jaqueline Grover, Phyllis Leahy, and Rosalind Lucky; and his daughter Jaqueline Grover.

Candlelight services were held at the House of Slanay on Thursday, April 6, 2017, at 6 p.m. A Celebration of Life was held on Friday, April, 7, 2017, at the Hood Canal School at 1 p.m.