AUGUST GRASIS II
August Grasis II of South Padre Island Texas and Weatherby Lake MO departed this life at age 87 on Monday, November 27, 2012 of congestive heart failure.
As husband, father, role model, leader, businessman, sailor, skier, swimmer, car racer and wine enthusiast August was known for his love for life, his unconditional love for family and friends, his pragmatic, logical and fair business approach, and his dedication and willpower to be the best in whatever he chose to do.
August lived the American dream, building his life and his legacy in the USA after escaping Soviet occupied Latvia in 1944. He married his sweetheart, Ruta in 1950 and founded Grasis Corporation in 1964 to become America's leading microwave tower company. Along the way he and Ruta raised three children, won many sailboat races at Weatherby Lake, competed in national skiing competitions and collected the finest Bordeaux's. Post retirement he rekindled his love for automobiles by restoring and driving Studebakers, Jaguars, Porsches and Lagondas in events all over the world. He gave back to his Latvian homeland by establishing a foundation to help retired people in Latvia and contributed generously to the Latvian summer camp at Garezers.
His smile, laugh and zest for life will always be missed by his bride and love of his life for 61 years, Ruta, his three children, Mara Grasis Garton, August III and Nora Kristina Jenkins and their families, including 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren and his many friends he leaves behind. He loved us all very much.
A celebration of August's life will be held at Tiffany Fellowship at 7315 NW Barry Rd on Saturday Dec 1. Visitation 2pm and Service at 3pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to his favorite charity: Latvian Center Garezers, 57732 Lone Tree Road, Three Rivers MI 49093.
Published in Kansas City Star on November 29, 2012
August Grasis II of South Padre Island Texas and Weatherby Lake MO departed this life at age 87 on Monday, November 27, 2012 of congestive heart failure.
As husband, father, role model, leader, businessman, sailor, skier, swimmer, car racer and wine enthusiast August was known for his love for life, his unconditional love for family and friends, his pragmatic, logical and fair business approach, and his dedication and willpower to be the best in whatever he chose to do.
August lived the American dream, building his life and his legacy in the USA after escaping Soviet occupied Latvia in 1944. He married his sweetheart, Ruta in 1950 and founded Grasis Corporation in 1964 to become America's leading microwave tower company. Along the way he and Ruta raised three children, won many sailboat races at Weatherby Lake, competed in national skiing competitions and collected the finest Bordeaux's. Post retirement he rekindled his love for automobiles by restoring and driving Studebakers, Jaguars, Porsches and Lagondas in events all over the world. He gave back to his Latvian homeland by establishing a foundation to help retired people in Latvia and contributed generously to the Latvian summer camp at Garezers.
His smile, laugh and zest for life will always be missed by his bride and love of his life for 61 years, Ruta, his three children, Mara Grasis Garton, August III and Nora Kristina Jenkins and their families, including 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren and his many friends he leaves behind. He loved us all very much.
A celebration of August's life will be held at Tiffany Fellowship at 7315 NW Barry Rd on Saturday Dec 1. Visitation 2pm and Service at 3pm.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to his favorite charity: Latvian Center Garezers, 57732 Lone Tree Road, Three Rivers MI 49093.
Published in Kansas City Star on November 29, 2012
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