Vince Greiner, respected Hart farmer, business leader, and advocate for public education, was serving as President of the West Shore ESD School Board when he passed away at age 69 last September.
Prior to his tenure on the WSESD Board, Vince served on the Hart Public Schools School Board for 13 years.
From 2009-2012, he was on the Oceana ISD Board, and when the ISD dissolved to merge with the Mason-Lake ISD to form the West Shore ESD, he served on the WSESD board from July 2012 to September 2025.
The West Shore ESD dedicated a tree in memory of Vince on Tuesday afternoon, September 8.
"It's fitting that we remember the exceptional life and character of Vince at this time, just as our students are starting a new school year," observed WSESD Superintendent Dr. Jason Jeffrey. "Vince was dedicated to the future aspirations of our community's young people. Along with the rich background of skills he brought to his board leadership, he helped strengthen our ESD's 'Success for All Students" vision throughout our three-county region."
Dr. Mark Forner, school principal at Mason County Eastern and WSESD board member, also spoke at the tree dedication.
"Vince was one of my best friends. He taught me many things, but two lessons especially stand out," Dr. Forner said. "Lesson One was always do the right thing, even if it isn't the easiest path, Lesson Two was that it's the responsibility of leaders to adhere to this lesson. And this is simply the way Vince lived his life – always with the highest integrity."
Joining WSESD board members and staff for the tree dedication were Vince's wife of 42 years, Jonda, and their two sons, Nicholas and Bryant.
"Vince was a giver, not a taker," concluded WSESD Board President Jim Riffle. "We are all better as an organization, and also as people, because of Vince."
