I lit a candle. Because when I was a student, I remember walking with Dr. Grindal after class as he animatedly told me about his experience and research that he wrote about in "Into the Heart of Sisala Experience." And just before he got into his car, he looked back at me and said to read it when I got home. In the dark. By candlelight.

He was a real one, and that has become a core memory for me. I am so sorry for your loss.

Wow...I am so shocked to find out that Dr. Grindal has passed away. I actually graduated in May, 2012 from Florida State University and had no clue he passed away just one month before. I was recently researching former professors that I absolutely loved that I had at FSU to see if they could write me a letter of recommendation for a Master's program, and I found this page. Dr. Grindal invited myself and a handful of other students to his house to help repaint it to surprise his wife. He then made us "beer sausages" while we enjoyed a perfect lunch outside in the garden. Dr. Grindal was truly a wonderful, quality man. May he rest in peace, and peace to his family.

It's hard to believe that it has been seven years since Bruce went on ahead of us to create another Humanistic bridge to welcome those who will come later. 

Since then, I returned to Africa as anthropologist for Nat Geo, which was only possible due to Bruce's expert influence and his dear friend, Eugene Mendonsa's recommendation. 

Bruce continues to teach my students every semester as I share his stories and Humanistic approach to cultural studies.

I ponder on how many lives his one single life will positively affect through his progeny of students dedicated to continuing his discipline dedicated to love for fellow humans and the pursuit of cultural understanding.

Dr. Grindal was such a kind and gentle man. He impacted all of the students that were so lucky to know him!

Bruce inspired me with two poems that didn't get written for 20 years  One is "Secrets of the Sisala." and can be read in Fourth River Literary Journal, 2006. It will be reprinted by Fourth River this year in their Best Writing of Ten Years issue. The other poem, "Forbidden" appears in my book Hallelujah Voices, 2012.  Marsha Mathews  I regret that he didn't get to share in the success of these poems.

Mi querida Marilú (así te conocimos siempre),
Sólo quiero decirte que lo siento y mandarte un gran abrazo.
Mi Má, tu amiga Mónica, se le adelantó dos años y casi tres meses. ¡Ya se saludarán por allá, dondequiera que estén!
Me gustaría saber de ti.

Mis mejores deseos para ti y para tus hijas.

Fernanda Aveleyra Jiménez

Hola Marilu, soy Pau Aveleyra. Si ves este mensaje, me puedes contactar al 408 506-0524?

He was a wonderful teacher-I took more than one class from him at FSU and decided on an anthropology major because of him. He was a true anthropologist and taught us to be impartial in our studies. I will always value his impact on my life.

Dr. Grindal was an inspiration to me. Without him, I don't think I would be in the career I am in now. I wish nothing but the best for his family.

Dear Lourdes and family, 
I was so sorry to hear of your loss.  He sounds like he was a very wonderful person and had a very full and interesting life and inspired many people.  Sincerely, Lisa

A fine man who showed me kindness and consideration.  May he rest in peace.

It was a pleasure being a student, both in his Intro to Anthropology and Human Conflict courses. I have always enjoyed his random tangents in class. He was a brilliant and bright individual. My prayers go out to his entire family and may he rest in peace.

I never had the pleasure of taking a class from Dr. Grindal but he was one of my favorite professors at FSU. My fondest memory of him is the day we flew kites outside the Anthropology Building. He found some kites randomly in his office or something and decided to fly them. It did not appear to matter to him what people thought about us flying in the middle of day in the dept's parking lot. Dr. Grindal's take on life was really inspirational to me. I will really miss him.

Dr. Grindal was one of the best professors I had at FSU, and I highly enjoyed every class I had with him. My deepest condolences to his family; he will be sorely missed!

He was my Anthropology of Religion professor. Super smart. And kindhearted. One of the best. I remember going up to him after class and telling him I was really struggling with this post-modernist/post-structuralist/post-whatever/Marxian literature I was reading for my dissertation. To which he replied, "MEH, DON'T READ THAT CRAP!" ...Some of the best advice I've ever received.  I'll always remember him.

Dear Lourdes, Alejandra and Lourdes, Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your wonderful husband and Father. I have lost a most kind friend and caring mentor. I first met Bruce at FSU in 1993 having just returned from my Fulbright in Ghana. As I entered his office, he quickly stated that he only had a few minutes to talk, but once I mentioned where I had just returned from, he ran over and shut the office door and told his secretary that he was in an important meeting and not to be disturbed! I knew I had found the right man for my dissertation director! I then wore a Northern Ghanaian Smock the first day to his class. He looked up and said, "Hey, why didn't you tell me what you were going to wear?" and proceeded to run back to his office to put on his own smock that he brought back 20 years earlier. I knew then I had found a friend. Bruce would take the time to walk with me around campus when I was going through some very difficult times in my life, offering advise in a most gentle way. He introduced me to my dear friend, Dr. Eugene "Salia" Mendonsa, as well as to Sir Jack Goody, who, later when I met with Jack at Cambridge, proved to be both an invaluable source of knowledge and a very caring person much like Bruce, making this 'Yank' feel most at home in the high-society world of a Scholarly British Institution. Thanks to Bruce's anthology, "Bridges to Humanity," I have been able to introduce Bruce to yet another generation of Honours students here at USF where I teach. "Bridges To Humanity;" what an appropriate title to describe Bruce's life. I cannot ever imagine lecturing on "Conversations with Ogotemmeli" or Sisala divination without all the while hearing Bruce's jovial voice in my head retelling his own stories. I will miss him dearly. I miss him already.

My deepest condolences to Bruce's family. He was a man who savored life in so many ways. He will be long remembered as one of the early champions of Humanistic Anthropology.  With sadness

Dr. Grindal was one of my favorite professors at FSU.  I initially met him during cultural class back in 2006.  I took every class that I could find that he taught after that, including several independent study classes.  I will greatly miss him and our discussions on "Trickster".  I will also miss our Friday afternoon discussions at Snookers. I will be forever grateful to have met him.  Paul Williamson

Dr. Grindal changed the way that I viewed the world.  I will miss him.  My deepest condolences to the family.

I'll always remember you as a friend and colleague more than as my professor.  I'll never forget our walks through campus, the advice you gave me, your fabulous stories, and your kindness.  I'm thankful I got to see you a few months back.  Say hi to Ohso for me.

Bruce Grindal showed me the dimension of anthropology that I had not known before. His ideas remain with us and enter the minds of new generations of students.

I am a former student, 2006-08 of Dr. Grindal's.  My heart goes to the family, who I know must miss him immensely.   He was a wonderful, constantly inspiring, funny and enthusiastic man to know.  I will always feel privileged to have been a student of his.  I believe he was a great asset to anthropology and humanity.  He will be missed.  With my warmest thoughts to his family.  Samantha Schlazer.

I met Bruce in 1958 as a freshman at Northwestern University. We were in the same fraternity. But what really deepened our friendship was that we travelled together for a year in Europe (1960-1). As you might imagine it was an incredible year, during which we soaked up the human and cultural riches of Europe and became close friends. When we returned, Bruce visited me one summer in Los Angeles and we backpacked for 10 days in the Sierra's. A memorable trip in many ways, but particularly because of a very persistent bear that was strongly attracted to our campsite, even as we slept at the crack of dawn. Over the years we kept in touch, but did not see a lot of each other. I visited him once in Tallahassee and he visited me three summers ago in Toronto. Though he was not in very good health, it was a memorable visit topped off by a trip to a wilderness lodge in the wilds north of Toronto. It was particularly in this beautiful setting that we shared many memories of the past and managed to do some canoeing. I am so happy that Bruce and I managed to renew our friendship before he died. He was a life long friend and we shared what for both of us were some wonderful experiences. 
I wish to convey to his wife Lourdes my deepest sympathy. I met Lourdes about 25 years ago when I visited Bruce and Lourdes in Tallahasee, and even in the short time that I spent with their family, I was impressed by Lourdes. Bruce was a special person in my life and I feel deep loss.
Robert Albritton
Professor Emeritus
York University
Toronto

Lourdes,

I was so sorry to hear about your father  You and your family have my deepest sympathy.  You will be in my thoughts and prayers. Your father sounds like a wonderful man.

Mi adorado Bruce, gracias por haber compartido tantas risas y alegr

I, from another department, participated in the Anthro dept. during my degrees.  Dr. Grindal always engaged me and earnestly was interested in what I was working on at the time.  He was never too busy for any question or conversation and had the best, unfettered advice.  Although I did not have him as a formal instructor, I learned a great deal from him, a uniquely clever and genuine person.
It is a testament to Bruce that there is laughter among the tears.  My sincerest condolences to his family.

I had the honor to have met him, learn from him, and now, unfortunately, miss him. My sympathy is with his family and friends. I know this is little comfort to those who grieve, but I am a better thinker and individual for having met Prof. Grindal. I hope that he will find adventure, mystery, and dance beyond our tethered coil, but if not, will find solace that he gave adventure, mystery, and dance to all those he left behind. Grindal was immeasurable, unique, and unforgettable; the most interesting teacher I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I am so sorry for your loss.

Bruce was one of the first people I met when I moved to Tallahassee in 2005, and he quickly became one of my favorite conversation parters.  He had a compassion and wisdom that exceeded the title "anthropologist," and I will fondly remember his insightful, often hilarious, storytelling episodes.  My deepest sympathies to Bruce's family; as you can tell through these entries he had a great, meaningful impact on countless lives.

I had the honor to take courses from Bruces and work on political issues. He was an excellent teacher and a more excellent human being.

Jack McCarthy

Indeed, FSU and the field of Anthropology have lost a great man. I have many, many fond memories of Bruce during my time in Tallahassee. My condolences to his family and friends.

Lourdes and family, my deepest sympathy on the loss of your father. I have such fond memories of your family from growing up together at Trinity. I then has the opportunity to take one of your dad's classes at FSU.  He was a great man who inspired so many.  My prayers are with you all during this sad time.

LA MEJOR ES QUE TUBIMOS LA OPORTUNIDAD DE COINCIDIR EN LA MISMA VIDA  Y PODERLA COMPARTIR CON BRUCE TE EXTRAÃ‘AREMOS

Dr. Grindal was my first anthropology professor at FSU, and he was the reason I chose to pursue it as a career. His stories of fieldwork were engaging, passionate, and hilarious - after my first class with him, I knew what I wanted to do with my life. I still remember him challenging us to get a new word entered into in the dictionary for a retroactive 'A.' I got an 'A' without the help, but to this day I'm still trying to find a new word! Thank you, Dr. Grindal, for being such an amazing professor to me, and to all of your students.

Bruce was a kind, gentle, sensitive colleague.  Marti and I admired his efforts for peace and justice in our world.  Lourdes, Marti and I remember both of you fondly.  Rod Anderson and Marti Trovillion

Bruce was a wonderful friend, teacher, traveling companion, and storyteller. His dedication and commitment to his students and friends was without peer, and will live on in those of us who aspire to follow his example.

You were always a human being first and an academic second, and academia was the better for it. Thank you for emphasizing being a better person first and a better anthropologist second. It was a lesson I taught my students, and I will never forget it. I will miss you.

Lourdes, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your father.  I, too, know the devastating loss of a father, someone who we love so dearly.  My prayers are with you and your family.  God bless you today and always.

Dear Lourdes, Lourdes, and Alejandra-
I am so sorry for your loss. Growing up many many years right down the road from you and then babysitting and watching the girls grow up, we all spent a lot of time together. Bruce was such a wonderful husband and father and a great friend to us all. You could see how much love he had for all of you.  He will be miss by all of us.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.  
 Love, Shanna

Dr. Grindal was a spectacular teacher, unfailingly kind and generous. He could make us all think outside the box. He expanded my mind, and I'm grateful to have had him as a professor. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear Lourdes, 

Reading his obituary, I can tell that your father was an incredibly special person and a loving father. We are so sorry for your loss and we will keep you in our thoughts.

Solome Abebe and Kevin England

Over the years, it was always a treat to see Bruce at his "spot" -- ground entry, Bellamy Building -- and to get to speak with him briefly.  More recent years we would bump into each other less frequently and in random  locations.  Still, Lourdes was a treasure he would speak of tenderly, and he would beam with delight as he brought me up to date on Lourdes and Alejandro.  How comforting it must be to all three of you to know how much he loved you; and how comforting to him to know how much he was loved by you.  The year ahead will almost unavoidably bring unexpected moments of grief; during those times I hope you will remember one of his candid comments and wry smiles, and the decades of the wonderful life you all had together.

Dr. Grindal was a wonderful story teller, and a pleasure to work with, I will miss him greatly. He referred to us (3 office staff) as the lovely laughing ladies. I am so sorry for your loss.

Lourdes, Alejandra, Mrs. Grindal -- So sorry to hear of your loss.  I remember him fondly.  He loved you all very much. I'll be remembering you all in this weekend's Resurrection liturgies.

Lourdes,

We were so sorry to hear about your father.  You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

I will never forget my cultural anthropology and anthropology of religion classes. Your stories and teachings will live on through your students. You will be missed, Dr. Grindal.

I believe I met Bruce my first year at FSU back in 1976; he was a good friend, who shared a deep interest in Africa and in how the world changes and how people can change how the world changes.  Running into him on campus was one of the brightest spots of any day, and he was always talking to students.  Many people miss him deeply: Alejandra and the two Lourdes's, you have my and Louise's deepest sympathy.

Dear Mrs. Grindal, Lourdes, and Alejandra - may your memories give you strength during this time.  Bruce was very special and he will always live in your hearts.

Lourdes and Daniel and sons: Bruce was amazing and left a wonderful legacy in each of you.  My deepest sympathy.  Jean Stone NYC

You all have my deepest sympathies, I am so sorry for your loss. I will be thinking of you all. He was a wonderful man.

Bruce touched many people with his stories, teaching, articles, poems, and plays.  He was a creative genius and a fundamentally compassionate person.  We will miss him greatly.

Lourdes and Family, 
I am very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you. His spirit will stay alive as you share all of the great memories you had with your dad. God Bless!

I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
With much love,
Anmarie (Grindal) Brigham and family.

Buen viaje Bruce, sin duda estas ya en el mejor lugar del universo. Desde donde estés, siempre estarás presente en nuestros corazones.

Bruce was one of a kind. His passion for humanity made him the consummate anthropologist, educator, and mentor. Bruce's humor, compassion, enthusiasm, and endless curiosity made him an inspiration to be around. Those who knew him will not forget him.

Lourdes, Daniel and the boys you have my deepest sympathy.

Hermine Riley

Dear Bruce,

  I regret not having had the chance to say farewell. Thank you for your warmth and sense of humor, which kept me afloat in the most difficult times in our shared department. Thank you, too, for your experience in Africa, about which we talked so often, for your playful and trenchant thoughts about academia, anthropology, and life, and for all the books you gave me. And thank you, especially, for inspiring so many students who still tell me how much they enjoyed hearing in your classes about the time you spent in Africa. You knew, like Birago Diop, the Senegalese poet, that, when you "Listen in the wind / To the bush that is sighing: / This is the breathing of ancestors." Your voice will never be far from our ears, soothing us with your humor and tempering us with your humanity. 

  Yours,

Bruce, Anthropoloy at FSU will not be the same without you. Thank you for sharing all your wonderful stories with us. We will miss you greatly.

My condolences to the family. Dr. Grindal was a wonderful man and a pleasure to learn from. We will miss him!

OBITUARY

Dr. Bruce Theodore Grindal

June 21, 1940 – April 2, 2012

Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home

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A private family Celebration of Life is planned for the near future.