Walter Griggs Irving, known warmly to family and friends as Griggs, passed away on the autumnal equinox September 22, 2026, in his Seattle home, surrounded by his children. He was 90 years and 90 days old.
Born on June 24, 1936, in Darien, Conn., Griggs was the son of industrialist Walter Edward Irving and second wife, Annabel Griggs Irving. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, and his half-brother and two half-sisters.
Griggs attended Darien High School, where he met his future wife, Jean Rieder. After graduating from St. Lawrence University with a degree in Business Administration and completing a brief stint working for his father at the Irving Subway Grating Company, Griggs quickly recognized that his true calling lay in education and community service.
He and Jean moved to Kent, where he launched a fulfilling career in education. His time teaching at Kent Center School eventually led to his role as principal and superintendent at Cornwall Consolidated School.
Dedicated to empowering fellow educators, Griggs was the very first staff member at Kent Center School to take advantage of a newly approved sabbatical year, by way of which he brought his family to live and teach in Paris, France, during the 1969-1970 school year. Together, Griggs and Jean raised four children—Susan, Steven, Stephanie, and Stewart—and in the early 1970s, warmly welcomed seventh-grader Steven Lee Miller into their hearts and home as a son.
A mid-life divorce marked a major turning point for Griggs, prompting a shift in both coasts and careers. In 1981, he moved to Seattle, Wash., where he purchased a 1902 mill cottage. Rebuilding in all senses, he poured his boundless heart and soul into restoring his house, tending to his neighborhood, supporting his children, and cultivating deep personal passions. In his later years, Griggs developed an immense love for birding, rare books, gardening and sand collecting.
Even while facing Parkinson’s disease for over two decades, Griggs remained relentlessly curious, inquisitive and determined to live in joy. His vibrant energy and genuine willingness to engage with others made him a magnetic presence until his very last day.
The end of Griggs’ life was as unique and peaceful as the years preceding it. A few months before his passing, he celebrated his milestone 90th birthday surrounded by family and friends–including relatives who traveled to the West Coast for the first time just to honor him.
Shortly before his passing, he hosted his own week-long “living memorial” on his sunny deck — a warm, inviting haven where loved ones of all generations gathered to share stories, laugh and celebrate his legacy.
Griggs is survived by his children and spouses, Susan (Kevin) Stone, Steven (Palmer) Irving, Stephanie (Steve King) Irving, Stewart (Noreen) Irving; his seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He is buried in the peaceful surroundings of Trout Lake, Washington. In lieu of a traditional memorial service, the family suggests honoring Griggs’ generous spirit by choosing one of the following actions:
- Plant a tree(s)
- Support a local community garden.
- Share the gift of a book with someone you love.
- Make a donation in his memory to The Nature Conservancy.
