ROBERT G. GRIMMER /
MACADAMIA COMPANY MANAGERC. Brewer executive helped
grow Mauna Loa brand
Former macadamia company manager Robert G. Grimmer possessed integrity to the point of stubbornness, those who knew him said.
When C. Brewer & Co. owned Mauna Loa brand macadamia orchards south of Hilo, Brewer lobbyist Bruce McCall tried to get fellow Brewer employee Grimmer to give him macadamias as gifts for legislators.
"He wouldn't give me a thing," McCall said. "He didn't believe in giving politicians anything."
Grimmer died last Sunday at Pohai Nani in Kaneohe. He was 82.
His son Gary said, "He was a father that led by example: Work hard, be honest and love your country."
Born in Salt Lake City, Grimmer served in the Air Force during World War II. Working for the predecessor of Del Monte Corp. after the war, he received a choice, Gary said. "Well, Bob, do you want to go to Texas or do you want to go to Hawaii?" they asked.
Grimmer moved to Hawaii and married Floy Bell.
When Castle & Cooke's macadamia plantings near Hilo reached full production in 1965, Grimmer led the installation and operation of a processing plant with plate glass windows where visitors could watch operations. Long before there was an energy crisis, he built the plant to supply its own power by burning macadamia shells, Gary said.
When C. Brewer bought the company in 1973, Grimmer developed the Mauna Loa brand and small vacuum packages that were distributed on airlines.
Before his macadamia years, Grimmer also worked in Puerto Rico, and after retirement he did consulting in South Africa, Australia, and Costa Rica. He was an avid golfer and a woodworker.
Grimmer is survived by his wife Floy, sons Gary and Kurt, seven grandchildren, and a great-grandchild.
A service will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday at Holy Apostles Episcopal Church in Hilo. With fellowship to follow at the Hilo Yacht Club.
Donations may be made to the Rotary Club of Hilo Foundation, P.O. Box 861, Hilo, HI 96721.