Remembering Tehachapi Mayor Ed Grimes

At 1:45 p.m., on Monday, May 20, 2018, Tehachapi lost one of its most vocal champions when Mayor Ed Grimes passed away, surrounded by his large and loving family.

Despite serving as a member of the Tehachapi City Council since January 2003, Ed often described himself as "the voice of the Warriors". It was evidence of his intense commitment to the Tehachapi community and especially its youth. In addition to working with the football team and the Warrior Boosters, Mayor Grimes utilized the $300 per month he earned serving on the Tehachapi City Council to fund a scholarship for local Tehachapi students each year.

It was one of many gestures he made in a long life of public and community service. Mayor Grimes served an honorable career and retired from the California Department of Corrections. During his time working for the State, Ed also served on numerous community groups including the Tehachapi Unified District School Board, where he served for over 20 years before joining the City Council. On the Council, Ed served as Mayor three separate times: from 2006 to 2008, from 2010 to 2012, and from 2016 to 2018.

In his years of service to the community, Ed represented Tehachapi at the State level through his work with the League of California Cities and the Association of California Cities Allied with Prisons. His tireless service to make Tehachapi a great place for the next generation was one of the many things that Tehachapi residents will remember.

"Ed was a great Mayor but an even better person," said City Manager, Greg Garrett. "I've had the pleasure of serving with numerous City Council members but Ed will always be my Mayor. His kindness and genuine love for Tehachapi will be remembered for a long, long time."

On Monday, May 28 a viewing will be held at Wood Family Funeral Service, 321 W. F Street from 4-6 p.m. Services are scheduled for Tuesday, May 29 at 11 a.m. in the Tehachapi High School gymnasium, 801 S. Dennison Rd. Following the service, there will be a reception at Aspen Builders, Inc. Activity Center, 490 W. D Street. All are open to the public.