Watsonville, CA

Dave was born in Watsonville, California on September 17, 1937 to Jewel and Ernestine Grabost. He had two younger siblings who passed before him, Sandy and Jeananne.

The family moved to Vallejo, California while Dave was young. There he discovered his passion and talent for sports. Vallejo was at that time a working-class community with a history of hardnosed athletics that Dave excelled in. He had success in both baseball and football.

In the era of leather helmets without face masks he became a high school All-American offensive lineman in 1955. He was part of an undefeated 1954 Vallejo High team that included Dick Bass who would later become a star in the NFL. The team was considered to be the top high school team in the nation at that time by Sports Illustrated.

His early enjoyment of sports led him to coaching and teaching. Helping others as it had helped shape him in his early years.

Just after high school as a 18 year old he and good friend Alan Stiles went on a cross country road trip. It started as a loose plan, $450 and a pick up stuffed with canned food donated by their classmates. The pair was inexperienced but adventurous and the trip was a success, they made it across the country and learned as they went. The trip started Dave's love of travel that lasted his entire life.

After two years stationed in Germany with the US Army Dave returned home to finish his education at San Jose, San Francisco and Fresno state schools. At this time in his life he married his beloved wife, Jean Junell with who he would share his life and many future adventures. The pair would drive and camp all along the west coast.

Spending months on extended trips to the Baja Peninsula, the Sierras, Canada and Alaska. They had a son, Greg who was born on Dave's first day on the job as a high school teacher at Watsonville High. That first day was cut short but it started a career that kept his interest for over thirty years.

Teaching high school along with coaching and mentoring was a passion for Dave. As a biology teacher he was able to bring his enthusiasm of natural world into the classroom for his students to experience. His class was a place where life happened. Multiple fish tanks, reptile habitats and various experiments were always on display. His students were taught but also able to interact with the subject in a real way. He led frequent field trips to places like the mud flats of Elkhorn Slough. Deep sea fishing trips out of Monterey and even multi day trips to the Sierras. He was able to give students experiences that went beyond what is available from books or lectures.

He taught students about their role in the natural world and how all of our actions effect the planet. He started the R C R program-Resources, Conservation and Recreation.

It instilled students with appreciation of the beauty and wonder of the environment. He also stressed that resources are limited and its all of our responsibility to be good stewards of the world we live in.

He coached sports during his teaching career at Watsonville High School and was passionate about every minute of it. He coached football, baseball and soccer.

He enjoyed winning and had many successful seasons.

He had undefeated teams and CCS championships. What he enjoyed the most was the opportunity to mentor young people through sports and give them the same gift that athletics had given him-the value of determination, hard work and the importance of teamwork.

He leaves behind people that he cared about and that loved him. His wife Jean and son Greg. His grandchildren Shea and Arianna Grabost. Many family members and friends. As well as students and athletes who benefited from his tough but enthusiastic approach to life learning and teaching.