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.
3 Comments
Susan Masi
Elliot was one of a kind. Reni always remembered him as one of his favourite Queen Elizabeth Royal’s basketball players and that basketball relationship lasted many years with recreational teams. After one of those rec. games, Elliot introduced me to Reni and there followed 51 years of a special marriage. Probably the most significant role was Elliot’s arrival at Mary Jane Shannon Junior High School in North Surrey. With huge enthusiasm, and a lot of hard work by a pretty committed team, that school became Guildford Park Community School. For many years a group of that staff, gathered around the Chinese Dinner table at Nick Parker Jervis’. It was always an evening we looked forward to. I, along with Tony, Stewart and Gordon, send our sincere condolences. He was truly special.
Nancy HInds
Dear Susan,
Apologies for my very delayed reply, but to be honest, May rolled into June and the days keep rolling by. Our family has been busy planning a small Celebration of Life for Elliott on July 4th at the UBC Golf Course. Elliott asked for family and close friends only, not a public service. Glad you saw the OBIT and this chance to reach out through KORU’s link. yes, He was a very special person as many have acknowledged like you. He was very proud of the change made at Mary Jane Shannon School to Guildford Park Community School and of course all the great friendships he made there. We both enjoyed our Chinese Food dinners at Nik and Hazel’s every year. As deaths in our group occurred and Elliott’s health declined and became more complex, we all seemed to drift apart. Understandable really. I hope Nik and Hazel saw the OBIT and others in our group. The past couple of years were difficult ones and I focused my life on Elliott’s care and our growing families of grand-kids. Maybe one day, we will all gather again. Thanks for writing. Best regards, Nancy
Brian Eckert
Nancy
I was a next-door neighbour and close friend of Elliot in Surrey during elementary and high school. We had many wonderful days playing catch in his backyard amongst the newly planted fruit trees and would do so for hours. Until his mother would call us in for peanut butter and lettuce sandwiches and a glass of milk. Glory days for me.
My family moved to Vancouver before my grade 12th year, but Elliot made sure I was able to attend the graduation parties by coming in and picking me up in his Mini Morris and taking me back after the evening ended. I missed his companionship.
Unfortunately, we grew apart over the years and I finally spent a short time with him last February.
He will always be remembered in my heart.