Dave Grocott, a respected educator and founding member of the Longview Early Edition Rotary Club, has passed away at the age of 95. According to The Daily News, Grocott died on February 13.

Grocott, a 1947 graduate of R.A. Long High School, earned his degree in education from Western Washington State College, now known as Western Washington University.

In 1953, Grocott married Millie Becker, with whom he had four children. He is survived by his wife, sister, three children, son-in-law, as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Grocott began his teaching career at Rose Valley in Kelso, where he taught from 1951 to 1952. He then enlisted in the Army and served in the Korean War. After being honorably discharged, he pursued further education at Colorado State College of Education in Greeley, now the University of Northern Colorado, where he earned a master’s degree in school administration.

In 1957, Grocott became the principal of Robert Gray Elementary School, later serving at Mint Valley and Northlake elementary schools. He retired from education in 1982.

Beyond his professional career, Grocott was deeply involved in his community. He led Boy Scouts of Longview’s Troop 514 and was a founding member of the Early Edition Rotary Club.