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<p><em>Kenneth Russell “Ken” Grice</em>, son of Eulalia “Dorothy” and Leonard Russell Grice, was born on November 29, 1943 in Wyandotte, MI. He was raised in Michigan and attended a local elementary school and Mackenzie High School in Detroit. </p>
<p>He did not know it at the time, but a typical 11-year-old boy’s gesture of pulling a pretty girl’s pigtails would one day lead him down the wedding aisle. Ken sat behind Jan in sixth grade and beside her the rest of his life. They were elite members of the Academy’s one percent club, marrying on June 26, 1966 back home in Michigan.</p>
<p>While a cadet, Ken was a hockey manager and joined the Public Relations Council, the Glee Club, and the Ski Club. </p>
<p>Following his graduation and various Army assignments, Ken completed an MBA at Bowling Green State University in Ohio and an M.A. and a Ph.D. in physics from Wayne State University, MI. </p>
<p>Ken and Jan Grice were among our closest friends. They were like family to us and we loved them. </p>
<p>Ken and Jan arrived at West Point for a three-year assignment in the summer of 1976 and moved into quarters directly across the street from us. We will never forget Ken and Jan pulling up in a huge, green, jam-packed Chevy Suburban with two toddlers, all the paraphernalia that accompanies small children, and two monstrous poodles. All five of us Mulligans walked over to welcome them and offer them help with unloading the car. Looking back, our long-standing friendship was sealed that afternoon.</p>
<p>Early in our joint assignment at West Point, we gave Ken a plaque that he kept on his desk: “Don’t tell me to stop burning the candle at both ends…just hand me more wax!” This was Ken Grice. He was capable of staggering effort in all things. </p>
<p>Throughout his life, Ken humbly served God, his country, his family, and his friends. He is survived by his wife, Jan, of 52 years, three married children, and nine grandchildren. </p>
<p>Ken was an exemplary soldier and officer. During Ken’s three-year assignment to the Academy, he competed for and was selected to be a Permanent Associate Professor at the Academy in the Department of Physics. This involves a highly rigorous competition for what is a very prestigious and demanding position.</p>
<p>His undeniable competence caught the eye of the Dean, and he was asked to serve on the Dean’s Staff as the Vice Dean during his final period of military service, after which he retired from the Army in 1996. He proved to be so valuable that after his military retirement the Academy retained him as a Senior Executive Service civilian until 2004. </p>
<p>A further testament to Ken’s contributions to the Army is reflected in his many awards and decorations, among them are the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, and two awards each of the Meritorious Service Medal and the Army Commendation Medal.</p>
<p>During his time at the Academy, both Ken and Jan were actively involved in developing and sustaining Christian youth groups under the auspices of the Post Chapel. To this day, the West Point community continues to enjoy the fruits of his labors with Youth Ministry. </p>
<p>Lacking other daytime options, Ken and I committed to meeting for lunch on a weekly basis. I look back on those times and the image of sitting with Ken over a simple hamburger and diet Pepsi as a treasured memory. Ken was like a brother to me, and meeting for lunch was a device to nurture our friendship and a moment which neither of us would want to miss. </p>
<p>Ken and Jan were fun. Ken’s football knees prevented him from enjoying downhill skiing at West Point, so he took up cross-country skiing on the West Point Golf Course. We four enjoyed many a mile skiing on tightly packed snow, ending the day over a cup of hot chocolate and good conversation. (Sometimes we traded hot chocolate for a glass of wine.)</p>
<p>It was common for classmates serving at West Point at the time of the 20th and 25th reunions to form the nucleus of the committee to do the organizing, planning, and execution of the reunion. Ken immediately volunteered and was an integral player in the extensive effort required to ensure an enjoyable and smooth-running reunion. You could always count on Ken…period.</p>
<p>Upon his final retirement from West Point in 2004, Jan and Ken moved back to their beloved state of Michigan. Unfortunately, Ken’s dear wife, Jan, was diagnosed with the onset of dementia. Ken assumed the role of caregiver and devoted himself to doing whatever it took for Jan to feel his love and concern for her welfare. Ken was the perfect role model for love in action as he lived his marriage vow—committed in either sickness or health. He loved his children and grandchildren with that same intensity. </p>
<p>Three years before Ken’s death, he was diagnosed with terminal lung disease. Even though he was in significant pain that required he use a cane, sheer determination drove Ken to attend the 50th class reunion in the spring of 2016.</p>
<p>Ken Grice passed on December 3, 2018 at age 75, surrounded by his loving family.</p>
<p>We feel his loss deeply.</p>
<p>Ken’s favorite scripture was from <em>Isaiah 40:31</em>—“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall rise up on wings like eagles, they shall run and not grow weary, they shall walk and not grow faint.” </p>
<p>That scripture has been fulfilled. You were a good and faithful servant. Rest in peace dear friend. </p>
<p><em>— Art and Ginny Mulligan</em></p>
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