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February 8, 2010
Maurice K. Grossman embodied the spirit of giving through his teaching and participation in the community. He cared deeply about awakening and empowering citizens to exercise their right to vote. As an observer in recent elections Maurice acted upon a belief that members of political parties should actively participate in verifying and protecting ballot chain of custody to make sure votes are counted.
He will be remembered as a Navy World War II veteran committed to democracy and living a life dedicated to connectedness, peace and understanding.
A large crowd numbering 400 or more joined with his family to celebrate Maurice's life at the Tucson Museum of Art on Sunday. We heard from colleagues, students and friends to be reminded of Maurice's gifts to everyone who he met. Maurice was a teacher and mentor to thousands.
He had a passion for his ceramic art and every day he lived the legacy he leaves for us--kindness, love, appreciation and gratitude for every soul. The vision he worked for is a government that would give life to and nourish its citizens. He freely shared his passion with good humor and boundless energy. The living light of Maurice's spirit calls us to stand up for what we believe in.
During the memorial Rep. Matt Heinz (LD 29) and Sen. Paula Aboud (LD 28) read a Concurrent Resolution of the Arizona State Legislature recognizing Maurice for his lifetime achievements and honoring his contribution to Arizona educational and community life. They presented the family with memorials and an American flag that had flown over the Arizona Capitol building in Maurice's honor. Read the resolution here.
From Blog for Arizona
"Maurice was a native of Michigan. In 1955, he moved to Tucson, where he founded the University of Arizona's Ceramic Arts program the following year. He taught at the UA for 35 years and was the recipient of the UA's Creative Teaching Award.
Maurice studied in Japan as a Fullbright Scholar, and he received a National Endowment for the Arts grant in 1986. He was internationally recognized for his pottery, and very involved in the local arts community.
Maurice worked tirelessly on Democratic Party causes. After the death of his wife, he came out as a gay man, and he fought for GLBT rights, as well as many other social causes.
"He was simply the nicest person you'd ever want to meet," said Jeff Rogers, Pima County Democratic Party chair. "We will miss his generosity of time and his effort, but what we'll really miss is the man we knew and admired."
Doug Noffsinger, a long time friend of Grossman's, told the Arizona Daily Star of Mr. Grossman: "He's probably registered more people to vote in Pima County than any other living person. And he always did that in outfits like an Uncle Sam hat, or a red, white and blue boa."
Maurice is survived by two children, Lauren and Stephen Grossman, both of Seattle. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Gracey Grossman, and his oldest daughter, Barbara Jean Grossman."
Click on picture to watch AZ Public Media Interview with Maurice.
Remembering a Pioneer Artist and Community Activist Maurice Grossman dies at 82 — January 25, 2010
