Oak Bluffs Town Column: Dec. 31

Richard Lewis Taylor Wednesday, December 29 2021 - 4:54pm

The Christmas spirit was shattered on Dec. 26 when we learned that Roxbury and Vineyard entrepreneur Calvin (Kern) Grimes lost his battle with cancer.

He was born to Marguerite and Cal Grimes Sr. in 1940, the same year that his father founded Grimes Oil Company. After finishing high school, he joined the expanding family business. His father added a second truck to the fleet and young Kern got behind the wheel, learning the business from top to bottom.

In 1969 he was named president and chief executive officer and led the company’s transition from a residential oil supplier to providing energy products to major corporations. Opening offices in New York city, Newark, San Francisco and Miami, the family business was headquartered on Norfolk street in Dorchester, where there was a large fleet of trucks, drivers and a full staff managing the business. Grimes Oil appeared on the Black Enterprise list of top black-owned businesses in 1979 and they were number nine in the nation with revenues at $30 million dollars.

As technology began to dominate the business and he divested the residential sector in favor of corporate and institutional accounts, Kern was able to run his business from the Vineyard. He started out on Dukes County Road before moving closer to the airport.

Kern was always a bigger-than-life personality. He was a balance of all business (like his father) and displayed an outgoing personality (like his mother). His dress was impeccable, stylish and fashion forward: leather pants, ostrich boots, professional entertainment suits, hats and, yes, a full-length fur coat. If Mr. Sid sold it, Kern bought it.

He loved cars and maintained an eclectic collection that included a sports Mercedes, a Jaguar, an Audi and several sport utility vehicles. His prize vehicle was his father’s 1940 red pick-up truck, reminiscent of the humble origins of the business.

Decades ago, I had the pleasure of attending several Super Bowls with Kern and his dear friends George Cramer of Boston and Tim Crawford of Philadelphia. Kern hosted his national clients in the skyboxes and spared no expense. His business clients appreciated the service from the company but they also enjoyed their friendships with Kern.

The Vineyard was his playground, given that he was a natural connector to everybody regarding everything. He made friends easily and laughed easily. If you need a contractor, you need to set up an account at a store, you needed lamb chops for your dinner party, you need a real estate broker, or a reference on someone, Kern could not be more helpful. If you needed to get a car reservation on the steamship, you just called Kern. He had friends all over the country who appreciated his hospitality, personality and his family business legacy.

Calvin Grimes was clearly the bon vivant of his generation! He will be missed for a long time with personal traits that we will never see again. Next October, when we enjoy the Indigenous People’s Saturday picnic at the Inkwell to reminisce about the summer season, we must have champagne to toast our dear friend Kern, the maverick entrepreneur.

Love, gratitude and memories will shower Cheryl Grimes and his children Darlene, Lori, Mitchell, Ashley and especially Trevor, who has been by his side throughout his battle with disease.

Paradise on earth is living the Vineyard experience. Enjoy it as life is fleeting!

Comments

Richard. Thank you for such a

James Dilday Bosto

Richard. Thank you for such a glowing, informative and entertaining tribute to Kern.
Everyone who met him liked him.Everyone I talk to asks me "Did you hear,Kern Grimes died" with sadness in their voices.
May he rest in peace.

I did not know Kern but going

Myron Chambers Atlanta, GA

I did not know Kern but going up in the Bury those Grimes trucks were seemingly everywhere and was always a welcomed sight! RIP

Mr.Grimes will be missed by

Ed & Shirley Redd Oak bluffs

Mr.Grimes will be missed by many !
Our warm condolences to his family.

Richard…thank you for this

Naina Williams Oak Bluffs, MA

Richard…thank you for this beautiful tribute to Kern…to have known him was to have loved him!! His smile was infectious, his warmth, generosity and sincerity were heartfelt, and his vibrant personality and physical presence will be sorely missed. For those of us fortunate to have had him touch our lives…his thumbprint shall indelibly linger in our hearts! Rest In Peace, Kern!

What a lovely tribute to a

Adora Iris Lee Washington, DC

What a lovely tribute to a true "Renaissance Man" with such a big heart, who welcomed everyone and made you feel at home. We will miss Kern's humor, wit, and stories. Rest in Peace and Paradise!

You captured Kern perfectly,

Jacqui and Wayne Budd Oak Bluffs

You captured Kern perfectly, Richard ! Thank you for the on target picture of a first class guy and memorable personality … He certainly won’t be quickly forgotten by his legion of friends ad acquaintances …

Richard thank you for your

Dennis Lloyd Roxbury, Massachusetts

Richard thank you for your words and tribute to Kern. Calvin "Kern" Grimes was a very special person and a very special friend who will be missed. Rest In Peace my brother!

Picture Perfect Tribute. Kern

Charlena Seymour Oak Bluffs

Picture Perfect Tribute. Kern was a bigger than life personality that made an impact wherever he was and wherever he went. We will miss him.

Nicely put Richard, Kern made

Ron & Charlene Carroll

Nicely put Richard, Kern made friends easily and treasured those friendships. Kern was the perfect ambassador for the Vineyard. Consider yourself lucky to be considered a friend of Kern (the oil man) Gimes.may his soul rest in eternal peace

A great tribute capturing the

Curtis English Cleveland Ohio

A great tribute capturing the essence of an amazing Brother. I met Kern forty years ago as I was just starting my company. Kern was my inspiration and image model. He Unselfishly gave me guidance and good counsel whenever I called him, more importantly he was a good friend. Kern, with his reach, exposed me the beauty and the power of Black Entrepreneurship, with integrity and style. I will miss him deeply.
To Grimes the family, may prayers and peace be with you.

Richard, this is a very

Marie Allen Oak Bluffs

Richard, this is a very fitting tribute to wonderful Kern. I knew him when he was a pre-teen, and enjoyed our long friendship. I spoke to him a few days before he passed. We reminisced about our years in Roxbury and the Vineyard and shared our love for each other. May he rest in peace.

When my wife Tanya and I

Philip Hart Los Angeles

When my wife Tanya and I moved to Boston in 1971 Kern Grimes was among the first to welcome us to our new Roxbury home. When we became homeowners on the Vineyard a few years later Kern was there to welcome us. I recall going to Super Bowls and running into Kern and his entourage. Richard Taylor’s tribute to our friend Kern Grimes is perfect! Rest In Peace and Power Kern Grimes.

The previous comments

Dr Jeanne Taylor Los Angeles, California

The previous comments perfectly describe Kern Grimes and illustrate why he was special relative to his business savy and wealth of friends. I especially remember
h love for his children, particularly his son Trevor. I also remember and enjoyed his pleasure in allowing his former wife Carmen and I to drive his cars all over the Vineyard, which we loved to do. May he rest in peace.

An Incredible Tribute to an

Ernest Washington Jr Mattapan

An Incredible Tribute to an incredible and extraordinary Brother. Regardless of the effort he supported me and my family for over 75 years.

I know your still rolling and God Bless You and Your Memory.

I was saddened to hear of

Roberta Montgomery Savannah., GA

I was saddened to hear of Kern’s passing. He was someone everyone knew; either by the name “Grimes Oil” or as a dear friend to many. His talent for making up rhymes will surely be missed. Rest In peace Kern. My heartfelt condolences to the Grimes family.

Growing in the orbit of Kern

Carleen Cordwell OB

Growing in the orbit of Kern was a never ending cornucopia of adventure, laughter and learning, not to mention the music, dancing and just the example of how to live!!
From the Sugar Shack to the Inkwell, to this very 2021,he has never forgotten a call, a cocktail or a raindate to celebrate my birthday! Being in Kern’s birthday book is a gift to be treasured! He will be truly missed!

What a beautiful tribute to

Lynette Glover-Griffin Chestnut Hill

What a beautiful tribute to Kern. He was a ‘one of a kind’ man who made an impression on all he encountered. He always left me with a smile in my heart. Rest In Peace, dear Kern.

I knew Kern as a young kid

Ric Murphy2 Alexandria, VA

I knew Kern as a young kid looking out the window as he filled my parents oil tank in Roxbury; as the son of my parents good friends Marguerite and Cal Senior; as one of my uncle’s high school and life running buddies; as the dad who my sister babysat his kids in Randolph; and as an adult when I was a state official where he conducted business with the state and no matter what stages in life we knew each other he was always a class act. May he Rest In Peace and in our hearts and memories.

The Grimes Oil truck was as

Bill Overton Los Angeles, CA

The Grimes Oil truck was as welcomed as the mailman and the ice cream truck. Richard, I hope we've cloned his wisdom, spirit and gusto. I/we will always be proud of Kern and family and what they represented for the "Bury". Much Love

Richard,a fine tribute to a

Walter Barton Savannah Georgia

Richard,a fine tribute to a wonderful man. He touched so many lives with compassion and empathy. May his memory continue to be a blessing.

Among the many attributes

Harry Seymour Oak Bluffs

Among the many attributes Kern had in abundance was the capacity to embrace others with a sense that when you were in his presence no one else mattered. This unique quality contributed mightily to his success as a businessman, and to the countless friends who will always remember him with love and affection.

In a region so dependent on

Elliott Francis Henderson, NV

In a region so dependent on heating oil, I think Bill said it best when he describes the Grimes Oil truck; “…as welcome as the mailman.” I recall Kern’s unflagging spirit, always on display at those legendary gatherings he organized on the Vineyard. Celebrate his life!

A mayor, ambassador,

Dr Lloyd Sheldon Johnson Cambridge

A mayor, ambassador, statesman, and a friend to all. His energy, honored, will be missed!

Richard, your column so

Karen Ward Boston

Richard, your column so perfectly captured the essence of Kern Grimes! He loved life, and all the people in his life! Infectious laugh, quick with a joke…but also generous of spirit! A great supporter of community causes, Kern was a driving force behind the continued success of Dimock Health Center’s Steppin Out Gala. I will remember him for his shout outs to me and my husband on our birthdays, and his counsel when I purchased my home on MV. Rest in Power.

There will never be another

Bijan C Bayne Washington, DC,

There will never be another Kern Grimes. Every Islander has a Kern story.

It just dawned on me folks,

Bill Overton Santa Monica, CA

It just dawned on me folks, Heaven just struck oil:)

Great tribute! Kern was

Caroline Ellerson Sarasota, FL

Great tribute! Kern was indeed bigger than life! Robyn Carroll and I had a special relationship with "uncle" Kern AKA the "Mayor of the island" and his big beautiful white MV home. We were always welcome in the home, to come and go as freely as we wished. We would stay for a fun game of hide and seek, be entertained by his little pup ALF and the best part; play dress up in Carmen's fabulous clothes! Later in the day we would possibly see uncle Kern in town and he would slip us a few bucks or treat us to a cone at Cozy's; in between glad-handing others in town. He treated everyone, children and adults alike, with kindness, a big smile and warm greeting. He will be missed.

I had the good fortune to be

Rodney De Leaver Hyde Park, MA / Oak Blufs

I had the good fortune to be introduced to Kern back in 1978 when beginning my career in affordable housing, and Grimes was our liquid energy supplier.

Needless to say since that time he taught me so much about degree days and optimum utilization, and so much more about business, people, and success.

There is an army of us who have benefited from working with, and around Kern over recent years, and we all say thank you for your willingness to encourage and provide leadership.

Rest In Peace.

I had the pleasure of meeting

Doreen Blades Haverhill MA

I had the pleasure of meeting Kern during a supplier diversity event with the Federal Reserve Boston. Kern was such an advocate and introduced me to everyone. We would always compare notes and introduce each other to the supplier diversity people. He was always full of back stories. He was a friend. I will miss seeing him and his smile.

Thanking everyone for their

Cheryl Grimes West Tisbury

Thanking everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this time. We are thankful to have had Kern in our lives and will continue to be blessed with memories of his love, tenacity, and humor. RIP.

I first met Kern in 1997 at

Derek Cardoza Beverly Hills CA

I first met Kern in 1997 at the St Cloud Restaurant on Tremont St in the South End. I owned the valet parking company the services this eclectic fun dining establishment.
Kent pulled up in that Vintage Benz, I left his car out front and we converted for a while. He tested everyone the same. You knew he was successful but down to earth. Man did he dress to the nines. He left an indelible impression on me. The man was a class act! Always a gentleman and the best sense of humor.
Last time I saw him was in 2000 when he was visiting Scottsdale.
We kept in contact throughout the years. He always remembered my birthday.
I text him on Thursday and and he said he had been I’ll but didn’t elaborate.
My heart sunk today when I got an email from Legacy.
I’ll Mimi’s his humor, his smile, his great advice and ability to accept you for you.
“Last of the Mohicans!”
Respectfully Derek

He was simply the best!

Durant Leonard Boston, MA

He was simply the best!

Thank you Richard. I think

Marita Rivero Brookline

Thank you Richard. I think of Kern's kindness, gentleness and generosity. His life gave a good example of what smart, purposeful corporate leadership can include. We also benefited in may ways from his support of programs and people working to serve in the non-profit community. There is a wonderful interview with him on thehistorymakers.org.

Richard, your article

Alonzo (Al) Thompson Dunedin, Florida

Richard, your article captured the heart and soul of my good friend, Kern, a Lifelong friend dating way back, as his parents were friends of my parents, and Cal Grimes was our Oil Person until Kern took over the business, after which his entrepreneurial expertise flourished! Though I hadn't seen Kern in recent years I will never forget his always warm and welcoming personality.

May Kern Rest In Heavenly Peace Forever...

Great Job Richard.

Milton & Ruth Ann Britton MV MA

Great Job Richard.
Mr Grimes will be remembered for many reasons. Tributes and Memories will sustain his legacy.
RIP.

Kern was top shelf. Right to

Reginald and Kathlean Nunnally Oak Bluffs

Kern was top shelf. Right to the end he was making folks feel comfortable with his presence. We’ll see each other again on the other side. Until then RIP

Kern, he had so many

Azell & Sandy Martin Boston Ma.

Kern, he had so many wonderful characteristics a man with a beautiful upbeat personality his smile and spirit will never be forgotten.
Rest In Peace.

Blessed to have had our paths

Beverly Adams-VanLandingham South End/Lower Roxbury

Blessed to have had our paths intersect!

Richard, thank you so much

Cynthia Carter Sarasota, Florida

Richard, thank you so much for this lovely and informative tribute to Kern. He was a man among men and will forever be missed!

Well written tribute that

Carolyn Coverdale Oak Bluffs

Well written tribute that acknowledged the life of a good soul, Kern Grimes. Thanks Richard.

Awesome tribute Richard with

Christopher Sonnie Boston

Awesome tribute Richard with the many other comments & memories of Kern. Kern was Titan who I was blessed to call a true friend going back to early 2000's. However it always felt as I knew Kern much longer seeing his Grimes Oil trucks as young Roxbury kid in the neighborhood. Kern you are much loved and will be missed. Rest in Peace my friend...

A big loss for the Oak Bluffs

Tamara Robertson Vineyard Haven

A big loss for the Oak Bluffs community truly. My mother, Audrey Robertson, and my father, Tommy Stewart, we’re dear friends of Kern so I was fortunate enough to have known him since birth. Most recently, we spent time together while I cut his hair and as always he was lively, caring and entertaining. Kern was a fun loving man. He was a regular guy who accomplished great things. When I pass the old house on Duke’s County I remember all of the birthday parties and moments that make you smile. Prayers and blessings to the family at this difficult time.

HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY KERN

Linda Paschal Horner WDC/South End, Boston

HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY KERN 1/12!You will remain in my heart always ♥ "EVERYDAY "

Thank you Mr.Taylor for the

Eileen Kenner Boston ( Mattapan/Dorchester)

Thank you Mr.Taylor for the legacy of a giant who was well respected and received by all in the community and yes Steppin Out (World Trade) Senator Kennedy loved his ability to provide for the community at a moment's notice. Earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal. Our sincere condolences goes to the Grimes family you will always be in our prayers. RIH

The Wheaton Family and the

Kathryn Akuahah Wheaton Boston and Brookline, MA

The Wheaton Family and the Grimes Family have been close friends since before 1920. Each and all of us related to each other as Family, and thus, we have always enjoyed sincere, deep love, respect, support, and honor between us. Individual members of both our families have interfaced throughout the years in many, many ways. The memories are warm and deep. Kern was a nephew/son to my parents and grandparents, and a brother to me and my siblings. I may miss seeing him again physically, and for us to let each other know we love each other as brother and sister, as family. However, as I know that Kern is still with us spiritually, I am strong, calm and at peace knowing that I can see, speak to and hear him anytime. Thank you for everything, Kern. Your Life, Very Well Lived. Salute to You! I/We Love You, Kern, Forever and Always.

Oak Bluffs Town Column: Dec. 31

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