Robert Duane Grisham

April 26, 1954 - January 22, 2023

Longtime, retired Director of Athletics Bob Grisham passed away on Sunday, Jan. 22, 2023. For more than 37 years, Grisham was a champion for athletics at Saint Martin’s University, the local community, and the athletic conference at large.

Grisham was hired to be the Saint Martin’s athletic director as well as the head men’s basketball coach in 1985. During his tenure, he helped Saint Martin’s expand its program offerings from two, men’s and women’s basketball, to 15 sports overall.

In addition to the athletic and academic success, Grisham has helped the department “raise the bar” with community outreach. “It was always a goal and priority to have our athletes and coaches be partners in our community. Whether through service, competitions, or camps, it was important to have a positive impact,” said Grisham. Thousands of hours of volunteer and community service have been performed by Saint Martin’s student-athletes.

Grisham initiated and organized the start of the University’s Athletics Hall of Fame and Hall of Honor. To date, over 100 players, coaches, teams, and supporters have been recognized by the Saint Martin’s athletic department.

“For me the friendships and relationships that have been developed along the way have been a rewarding part of this position. I can walk away feeling good knowing where we were when I started, and where we are now,” Grisham said.

Grisham’s professional achievements were vast and something to be proud of, but first and foremost, he was a proud and devoted father. His daughters cherished their dad and the time they spent together. Although he was taken away from them too soon, the amount of love and joy Grisham brought into their lives will stay with them always. He taught them to live life with spirit, patience, and passion. Grisham was a pillar of strength and beacon of light in the family. His daughters will not only miss the father that raised them but the man who was their best friend.

We recognize that Grisham’s loss will impact many individuals. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and the Saints community whose lives were enriched by Grisham's larger-than-life personality, his witty jokes, and his contagious laughter.

Support the Grisham Legacy Fund by visiting, www.stmartin.edu/giving.

ByAlanaLangdon