Robert Bruce Grambo

Bruce Grambo

May 26, 1936 – April 16, 2026

Bruce Grambo was born to Bob and Bessie Grambo in a houseboat on the Columbia River and was raised with a deep love of family, community, and the outdoors. He graduated from Kelso High School in 1954, earned his bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University, and later received a Master of Education from Whitworth University.

Bruce dedicated much of his life to education and athletics. He taught at numerous high schools and served as both a high school and college coach in basketball, track, wrestling, baseball, and football. As Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Whitworth University, he poured his heart into mentoring student-athletes and improving sports programs. His teams repeatedly led the nation offensively in points scored and yards gained. In 1983, he was honored as NAIA Division Coach of the Year—a testament to his leadership, work ethic, and the respect he earned from peers and players alike. His impact on his players was enormous, and he maintained meaningful relationships with them throughout his life.

Bruce lived a remarkably full life. He was also a service station owner, charter skipper, carpenter, race car driver, and antique car restoration enthusiast. As a gifted speaker, he was frequently invited to address high schools, colleges, and family and community gatherings, as well as funeral services.

Alongside his first wife, Jeanne, Bruce owned and operated two well-known restaurants: Grambo’s on the Mountain in Spokane and Grambo’s Chef in the Forest at Hauser Lake, Idaho. Bruce supported Jeanne in her seven-year fight with cancer; she passed away in 1988.

In 2007, Bruce married Marilyn Grambo, his high school and college friend, in the church on Puget Island, Washington—a church his grandfather helped build and where he also served as pastor. Bruce and Marilyn shared a fun-loving, adventurous relationship and were married for 19 years. During this time, his main focus was his faith in Jesus Christ and his family. His loyalty to family was unconditional. He treasured his close relationships with his brothers—Roger, Gene, and Randy. They always stood as a testament to the strength of family ties. His Uncle Dick Grambo and Aunt Janet Pontious were like siblings, having been raised closely together.

Bruce will be remembered for his caring spirit, positive attitude, and unwavering willingness to help anyone in need.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; stepchildren Teresa (Mark) Douglass and Mike (Cheryl) Grambo; eleven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; brothers Randy (Beth) Grambo and Gene Grambo; sister-in-law Terry Grambo; Aunt Janet Pontious; stepmother Coletta Grambo; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.