Michael Jay Grensted

Mick Grensted, 75, the colorful and longtime high school varsity basketball coach, passed away on January 15, 2011 after a long and hard-fought battle with colon cancer. He will always be remembered for his wit, spunk and love of sports. Mick was born on March 9, 1935 to Morey and Margueriette Grensted in Ventura, CA. When he was 5 years old the family moved to Whittier, CA where he attended elementary and high school. He graduated from Whittier College with a teaching degree. In 1955 he wed fellow Whittier student, Sally Ann Vaughn in Laguna Beach, CA. Their son James Alan “Jim” was born in 1956 and daughter Julie in 1957. After working at Strathmore High School, Mick was offered the Varsity Basketball coaching position from Dr. Thomas Preece, the Superintendent of YHS, and they moved to Yreka in 1960. His dream to teach and coach high school sports was fulfilled during his time at Yreka High School. Mick coached Frosh Football, Basketball, Track and Field and Softball. He had several championship seasons and loved coaching. He taught various classes in the Social Studies department and was a drivers training instructor for many years. Mick played summer fast pitch softball for several years with the John Wheeler Loggers in Medford, Oregon and Scott Valley Builders in Yreka. He was on a bowling team and was a proud member of the Elks Lodge for over 46 years. He was an avid card player and horse racing enthusiast and loved it when there was a wager involved. He married Judy Black in 1992 and they spent many happy years traveling and enjoying their families. In 1993 he opened Mick’s Club House and retired from teaching in 1994. Many friends and former students enjoyed stopping by the shop and catching up on things—past and present. He rarely forgot a face and truly enjoyed keeping up with his former students. He leaves behind his devoted wife and caregiver, Judy Grensted, daughter Julie and son-in-law Tim Gaines of Foster City, Lauren Black of Pacifica, Leslie Black and her partner Marielke Funke of Ashland, Lyna Black and her husband Jeff Earl of Millville, grandchildren Katie Gaines, So. Carolina, Cari Gaines, Los Angeles, Elijah and Ari Black, Pacifica, Jaden and Sage Earl, Millville, and brother Don and his wife Carol of Fresno, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son Jimmy. Private services will be held at Girdners Funeral Chapel. Please join us for a celebration of Mick’s life at the Elks Lodge on Friday, January 21, 2011 from 11:30 – 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Madrone Hospice, 255 Collier Circle, Yreka, CA 96097 or Miner Power, PO Box 775, Yreka, CA 96097 – in memory of Mick Grensted.

Michael Jay Grensted

March 9, 1935 - January 15, 2011