William Charles Grinnell

William (Bill) C. Grinnell was born in Seattle, WA, on February 15, 1946, to Lillian (Bos Sulpke) and Fred Grinnell. His family lived in Omak, WA, during his early years, before returning to Seattle, where Bill grew up in View Ridge and formed several lifelong friendships. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1964.  

Bill passed away at the age of 79 on December 19, 2025, after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.  

After graduating from Roosevelt, Bill began a long and distinguished career at SeaFirst National Bank, starting as a messenger and eventually becoming an investigator for corporate security. In this role, he responded to bank robberies, extortion, ransom, kidnappings, and fraud—creating many memorable stories, including his role in preparing and delivering the money demanded during the DB Cooper hijacking. Concurrently, he taught courses through AIB, training others on how to respond to bank security threats. Later, he became a branch auditor and educator. After retiring from BofA in 2006, Bill spent 11 years as a seating host for the Seattle Mariners, enjoying every interaction with fans, especially the children.  

Bill married his high school sweetheart, Judy Nicholson, in July 1967. They had one daughter, Lisa, in 1978. Lisa gave Bill two grandchildren, Nicholas and Natalie. After Judy’s passing in 2004, Bill was fortunate to find love again and married Peggy Jacobsen in December 2007. Upon marrying Peggy, he also welcomed her three children and their families into his life, expanding his family further.  

He is survived by his wife, Peggy; his daughter, Lisa Yunt, and son-in-law, Sean; grandchildren Nicholas and Natalie; his sister, Jane Grinnell; nephew Tim Kruger (Marie Fleming) and their children William and Ethan; his brother, George Grinnell (Darci Severns), nephew Dylan, and niece Tess; his brother-in-law, Ron Nicholson (Toni); and his extended family, including stepchildren Kim Hendricks (Mike) and their children Jacob and Mikayla Hayes (Quinlan), Brenda Cooper (Lee), and Ryan Jacobsen (Daphne).  

He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Grinnell, and his parents, Fred Grinnell (Helen) and Lillian Grinnell. 

Bill loved his family, vacations to Phoenix and Maui, Husky football (he was a season ticket holder for over 30 years), and spending time with friends. He attended Bear Creek Community Church. He will always be remembered for his immense love, humor, mentorship, fierce protection, and his ability to offer support in all circumstances.  

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Evergreen Hospice, Bear Creek Community Church, or Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox ministry. 

A celebration of life service will be on January 17, 2026 at noon. Bear Creek Community Church, 18931 NE 143rd St, Woodinville, WA  98072