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Richard “Ricky” Grigg

The UH community is saddened by news of the passing of School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology Emeritus Researcher Richard “Ricky” Grigg.

Known as a pioneering big-wave surfer and renowned oceanographer, Grigg was an alumnus of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa (MS ’64) and spent his life researching the Hawaiian archipelago.

He died on May 21 at his home in Waiʻalae Iki at age 77.

According to his obituary in the Honolulu Star-Avertiser on May 25, “A celebration of life will be held at the Outrigger Canoe Club on a date to be announced. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Grigg’s honor to the Reef Check Program.”

A passionate educator and waterman, Grigg was remembered in the media including the LA Times, Hawaii News Now, Huffington Post and The Surf Channel, who posted this vintage video of Grigg surfing at Sunset Beach (he’s first seen at 1:20).

Ricky Grigg surfing Sunset Beach in 1966

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