Harold Kenneth Grove, 89 passed away at his home Friday evening, April 9th, 2021.

He was born July 3, 1931 in Albany, Oregon to Wilbur & Mary (Wilkinson) Grove.

Harold grew up in Fayetteville, Oregon and moved to Lebanon in 1940. He attended Stoltz Hill School, and later Lebanon Union High School. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1951. Harold married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy Atkinson, of Sweet Home on August 10th, 1951.

Harold served in the Korean War, based in Whidbey Island, WA, Okinawa and Atsugi Japan.

After returning from the service he worked his way through college at Western Veneer and by surveying with Bert Udell. He graduated from Oregon State University in 1959 with a masters degree in Education and Counseling. He taught at Lacomb School, Santiam School, Green Acres, Lebanon Middle School, Albany Christian and Crowfoot Christian. He also served on the Lebanon School District Guidance Program. He went on to found East Linn Christian Academy in 1982.Later on, Harold and Dorothy donated the land for the current school campus. Harold served faithfully at ELCA in various roles before retiring in 1997.

Harold enjoyed hiking, exploring the outdoors, mineral collecting, and adding to his collection of landscaping plants. He also volunteered with Gideons International.

He is survived by his wife of 69+ years, Dorothy Grove; children: Dan and Judy Grove of Tillamook, Charlie and Susan Grove of Sweet Home, Al and Debbie Grove of Sweet Home, Ila Guerrero of Brownsville, Bruce and Jen Grove of Salem; sisters: Mildred Johnson of Lebanon, and Joy Robertson of Waldport. Harold and Dorothy were also foster parents and sponsored exchange students: Soosan Loughmanpour, Kaveh Ofogh, Joyce Weeda, Vernor Munoz, Tina Gall and others. He was a proud grandpa of 18 grandchildren, and 20 great grandchildren.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Mary Grove and sister Dorothy Libby.

He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, of which he had many.We who knew and loved him are comforted by the knowledge that he has been welcomed Home by his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

“His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ – Matt. 25:23

A viewing will be 2 – 5 pm Sunday April 18th at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel, 1443 Long Street. Memorial service will be 1:00 pm Monday, April 19th at Jefferson Baptist Church, followed by a private graveside service. Call #541-246-9868 for location information. The memorial service seating will be limited and will be live streamed. Link to Event Page: https://fb.me/e/61fAolOyi

Memorials can be made to East Linn Christian Academy or Gideons International.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.