When, as a youngster, he got paddled by a city bus driver for sticking his tongue out at him for the umpteenth time, Juneau was in for a spirited ride through the life of Roger Grummett. This
curly redhead with the big, dimpled smile grew into a tall, gifted athlete. He was a kind, loyal, energetic, and fun-loving husband, father, and friend. He was devoted to his Juneau roots and a
gentleman who never forgot his many blessings.
Following marriage to former classmate Karleen Alstead in 1964 and a Business Administration degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Roger came home to join Grummett Insurance
Agency. He became a partner in 1967 and encouraged a merger to become Shattuck & Grummett, Inc. in 1971. He then joined the Alaska Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers
where he served as president and won its highest awards for community and business service. He was elected State National Director, then to its National Steering Committee, for which he
attended White House briefings. He also served on several national insurance producer councils. One of Roger’s greatest pleasures was watching his children progress from interns to college graduates to partners of Shattuck & Grummett.
Roger’s love of sports began early, from playing baseball and basketball to breaking the Juneau-Douglas High School basketball scoring record and to earning a college scholarship for both sports. He also coached these sports for Juneau youth. Later, he played with the Old Timers basketball team and for 28 years as a fast and slow-pitch outfielder with the locally revered 1st National Capitals. He helped organize the Southeast Alaska Athletic Association with the former U of A Juneau to bring intercollegiate athletics to Southeast for a time. Roger continued to play ball until a major heart attack in 1995 took him into retirement, where he played golf, earning championships with the Juneau Golf Club and California competitions where he and Karleen wintered for several years.
During his life, Roger also served as a member of the Douglas Volunteer Fire Department, the Juneau Rotary Club, the Alaska Committee, Pioneers of Alaska, and the Juneau Chamber of Commerce executive board. He was Golden North Salmon Derby co-chairman twice and board member and then president of St. Ann’s Care Center for 16 years where he encouraged the formation of Wildflower Court. He also served on the Alaska Airlines state advisory board and as an Alaska Pacific Bank director (now Northrim Bank) for 23 years, the last seven as chairman. Finally, he was the Empty Chair Project’s key fundraiser, which resulted in the Empty Chair Memorial at Capital School Park.
Roger died from complications of dementia and congestive heart failure. A study in courage, he never lost his smile or his spirit. He was predeceased by parents Stan and Grace Grummett, brother Mike Grummett and nephew Jeff Grummett. He is survived by his wife Karleen; children Stacy Sedgwick (Cary) and John Grummett (Rose) of Juneau; grandchildren Jack and George Grummett, Mitchell Henderson and Paige and Parker Sedgwick; nephews David Shackelford and Terry and Ken Grummett; nieces Gina Garnett and Kristi Messer; sisters-in-law Marjorie Shackelford and DeeAnn Grummett; cherished extended family member Joanna Galluzzo Plumb; and many grand nieces and nephews.
Donations in Roger’s name may be sent to the Juneau Community Foundation at 350 N. Franklin, Juneau 99801 (checks made payable to Juneau Community Foundation) or use the link below; Hospice at 641 West Willoughby Ave., Suite 204, Juneau 99801 or The Fast Break Club, Juneau-Douglas Crimson Bears, P. O. Box 2154 Juneau 99802. The family can be reached at P.O. Box 211076, Auke Bay, AK 99821.
A celebration of Roger will be held Saturday, May 3 from 2-4 at 3170 Nowell Avenue with some of his favorite cookies.
To Donate
Donate by credit card using the link below, or make your checks payable to Juneau Community Foundation, 350 North Franklin Street, Suite 4, Juneau, Alaska 99801. Please call us at 907-523-5450 or email info@juneaucf.org for information on donating stock, wiring funds, establishing a Fund, gifting a portion of a Qualified Charitable Distribution from your IRA, or naming the Juneau Community Foundation in your will as a designated beneficiary.
