Charles G Grimes

Charles Gregory Grimes

May 14, 1945 – January 27, 2025

 Charles Gregory Grimes (known to his friends and family as Charley, Chas or Chuck), 79, of Waterford, MI and residing in Byron Center, MI, passed away as a result of Lewy Body Dementia on January 27, 2025, while surrounded by his family. 

 He was born on May 14, 1945, the son of Clarence (Web) and Ruth Grimes. He spent his childhood growing up on Sylvan Lake. He graduated from Waterford High School in 1963. After high school he went on to spend a couple years at Michigan State University, although not sure which degree to pursue he left school prior to graduation. Ultimately, he utilized his sharp mathematical intellect for a career as an estimator and salesman in commercial roofing, working for Energy Shield, Inc. for over 25 years prior to retirement. He then enjoyed a post retirement job working as a crossing guard for the West Bloomfield School district.

 He married his best friend, Suzanne Good, in 1985 and they had a long and loving marriage with his death being just 24 days shy of their 40th wedding anniversary. They built a home in West Bloomfield on an acre of land which was surrounded by waterways leading to Cass Lake. They enjoyed numerous “sweat equity” projects on their home and property creating their own slice of paradise. Together they raised their daughter, Chelsea, here and as a family they spent their time winding down after a long day of hard work by “canal cruising” and having fun while boating on Cass Lake. Charley dearly cherished this home of 38 years and despite his dementia later in life he hung on to the memories created here very tightly and they remained at the forefront of his conversations. 

 Charley’s interests included: watching football (especially the NFL, rooting for the Detroit Lions!), fishing/boating, water skiing, cooking (in particular grilling…and everyone’s mouth watered for his famous grilled chicken!), enjoying a Budweiser with friends, playing cribbage and cards with his father in law, driving fast cars in the company of his best buds, fresh water aquariums and snorkeling, washing/waxing cars, keeping well manicured grounds at his beloved home, jigsaw puzzles/crossword puzzles/sudoku, and being an active father/family man, attending and cheering on Chelsea during her many extracurricular activities.

He is described as being a devoted and proud father/grandfather, a man of his word, and a true hearted friend and an animal lover (especially dogs!). He was gentle, kind, generous, self-less, welcoming, patient, and vibrant yet soft-spoken. He was fiercely loyal and had a very strong moral compass that would guide him to give a leg up to anyone who was an underdog and lend a helping hand whenever he could. He was always ready to tell a “punny” joke and had a strong sense of humor. His sense of humor was often an important pillar of his tenacious, determined and strong-willed character. In fact, just days before his death one of his doctors asked him how he was feeling and he quipped, “ready to kick some a**!” His favorite songs, Tubthumping by Chumbawamba and Life is A Song Worth Singing by Johnny Mathis, were reflections of his life mantra and positive attitude to make it through to the other side of whatever adversities may come his way. 

 Charles is survived by his wife, Suzanne Good-Grimes; his daughter, Dr. Chelsea Grimes (Daniel Sorscher); his grandchildren, Carter and Isla Charlotte (whose middle name is Charles’ namesake); his sisters, Elizabeth Lee and Carol Carder; his sisters in law: Sharon Dean, Kyle Good (Barney O’Hara), Margaret Good. Uncle to Klay Dean (Kelly), Frank Caruso, Carla Caruso (James Burke), Keelan O’Hara, Liam O’Hara. 

 Charles is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence (Web) and Ruth Grimes; his son, Shawn Grimes; his father in law, William K. Good; his mother in law, Virginia Good; and his favorite and faithful canine companions: Rex, Travis, Heinz, Champ, Elliot, and Sawyer. He will be dearly missed by his current and living dog, Missy.

 A celebration of life will be held on Cass Lake in the summer of 2025; date has yet to be determined.

 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Charley’s name to Lewy Body Dementia Association or Michigan Humane Society. 

https://www.lbda.org/donate/

https://www.michiganhumane.org/support-michigan-humane/

 Arrangements are in the care of the Central Lake Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com