Elliott James Grieve

As the sun rose on April 4, 2025, Elliott James Grieve passed away surrounded by the love of his family.

Elliott lived by his values: kindness, teamwork, and making a difference. Whether mentoring colleagues, coaching youth sports, or sitting at the head of the table during family dinners, “Elliott’s Way” was to lift others up.

A true “boomer,” Elliott was born in 1947, the first child of Henry (Hank) and Kathleen (Kay) Grieve, who both served their country in the Second World War and later returned to operate the Grieve General Store in Surrey.

After graduating from high school, Elliott headed south to Central Washington University to study journalism, soon becoming the editor of the campus newspaper. He later returned to his roots in Greater Vancouver and discovered his passion and activism as a lifelong community educator.

Elliott spent 35 years shaping lives in the Burnaby School District. Known as “Mr. Burnaby” for his vision, leadership, and commitment to the power of public education, he championed community education, youth services, and the development of the District’s Parent Advisory Group. Trustworthy and respected, Elliott rose to become Associate Superintendent, and his impact remains through his design of the still-used School District 41 logo—two children at its heart, just like his work.

Off the job, Elliott recharged by coaching his son’s baseball teams, sharing the great songwriters of his youth with his daughter, taking road trips, playing golf, and fishing with lifelong pals on Captain Kenny’s boat. After retirement, he discovered his green thumb and love for gardening at the family home in Kitsilano, and travelled with his wife Nancy, including a memorable trip to his family roots in Scotland. Famous for his slogans, humor, and smile, he leaves a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew him.

Elliott is survived by his beloved partner of nearly 50 years, Nancy Hinds; his sister Debra (Stefany, Nikolas); his children Lisa (Rich), Chelsea (Cameron), and Chandler (Kylie); and six grandchildren—Andrew, Ryan, Charlotte, Sawyer, Mylo, and Victoria—who adored their “E-pa.”

The family extends their gratitude to Elliott’s doctors and all of his health care team for their compassion in his final years, as he courageously lived with the challenges of Parkinson’s and related dementia. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Elliott’s legacy by volunteering—at a school, a sports league, or any cause close to your heart. That’s the Elliott Way. At Elliott’s request, a celebration of life will be held in the future with close family and friends.

His spirit for life is captured in the words of one of his favourite songs, by Harry Chapin: “All my life’s a Circle, Sunrise and Sundown.” Dreams never die, only dreamers.