GRAINFIELD, KS — Karl Dennis Grose, 63 of Crestone, Colorado and formerly of Bath, Maine died in a tragic car accident on March 17, 2017 in Grainfield, Kansas.

He was born in Newport, Rhode Island on February 1, 1954 to Wilbur (“Bill”) and Eileen Grose. Due to his Dad’s military career, Karl traveled in his early years from Rhode Island to San Francisco and Bethesda, MD. Karl’s charmed existence as an only child changed when he welcomed… kind of, his sister Kimberly and brother Matthew. Later, the family moved to Hawaii where he “welcomed” his brothers John and Mark. He was our big brother.

We were all fortunate enough to see the country with our parents and drove across several times during the 1960s. After living in San Diego, CA and in Clarksville, TN we came to Bath Maine. In Bath, Karl developed fine skills as a carpenter and as an artist. He was an incredible, creative, wood craftsman.

In Bath, he met his wife, and then close friend, Carol Davis. He and Carol shared a life-long connection and love. His other true partners were his friend, Sensei Al Gardner and his companion, JD, his black lab. He loved cars, politics, protesting, motorcycles, reading, music, art, creating, Tai Chi, the Triple R, the Elks and the Dojo. Everyone knew Karl – quick with smile, an opinion, and an interesting article he had read.

Karl, over the years, developed a deeper spiritual quest influenced largely by his friend, Sensei Al. He moved to Crestone Colorado where he found a wonderful community of good people that fostered his desire to develop a deeper meaning in life. He loved Crestone, was happy, and respected as a kind, active member of this special community. Karl had battled a cancer diagnosis and on his last day, was on his way to Maine to say good-bye. Following goodbyes, he was off to warmer weather to live out his last days. He knew he had little time left on this earth. He was taken too soon from us.

He was so funny, a great storyteller, and just full of himself somedays. Recently, when we sent a thumb-drive of family pictures, and commented that 60% were pictures of Karl, pre-us. He said, “Great, I’ll put them up all over the walls so I can admire myself ”. And, in an another admiration moment he one day looked in the mirror of the dojo impressed by his tai chi moves until he noticed changes in his steely physique commenting, “You are one fat bas&^%$”.

Karl lived a big, big life and he lived it his own way until his very last moment. We are so sad but take solace knowing this.

Karl is predeceased by his parents and his beloved Sensei Al. He is survived by his companion JD and his family – Kimberly, John, Matt, Mark, Carol, Sioban, Lee, Janis, Cindy, Tim, Alexis, Ryan, Keith “Murph” and Jody Ann Murphy. He also leaves behind his friends in the wonderful community of Crestone, Colorado.

We are grateful to the good people in Crestone who have been so kind, generous in spirit and action including Eric Maki, Robin Rosenberg, and Elianna Krackauer. Also, thank you to the kind people of Grainfield, Kansas including Mike and Rhonda Bainter.

A celebration of Karl’s life will be held in Bath at the Elks Club on Saturday, April 29, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. It will later be followed by a ceremony to spread his ashes in Crestone, and finally in the warm waters of Hawaii, his home. Aloha Big Brother.