Howard E. Griffin Jr. “Griff”
May 8, 1951 – July 5, 2021
On May 8, 1951, Howard was born to Howard Griffin Sr. and Dorothy (Smutek), growing up in the Pennifield area. As a boy he was a dedicated Boy Scout and loved getting into mischief – especially when it involved the one he knew as dad, Wink and uncles, or on the Ashcraft farm in Olivet where he quickly became family.
He spent as much of his life as he could in nature – in the woods or on the water – camping, hunting, fishing, farming or just listening; or even racing and riding anything with a motor. A life-long believer in happiness, he knew no matter the situation or how bad he was hurting, he needed others happy. He was known for being goofy and funny, knowing how to make anyone smile.
He attended Pennifield High School where he loved playing sports, earning him a scholarship to U of M. In 1969 he graduated, turning down college to proudly join the Marine Corp. He left for San Diego, California for training and then traveled the world where needed most. Though a well-trained, high ranked, honorable Marine, he loved telling stories of pranks and mischief he and his brothers would do.
After returning home he married Kim Gallihugh and started his family shortly after, settling in Olivet where he was a loving, devoted father. He taught his children morals, honor, humor, the love of all nature and how to survive from her, and the basic needs to stay strong in life.
He married his partner in life, Sally, in the early 90’s, shortly after they purchased their little piece of heaven in Blaney Park, spending as much free time as they could there. That became easier after his retirement from Air Way Manufacturing in Olivet. They spent every spring and summer there in the tranquility of the woods, enjoying sitting on the deck and feeding the wildlife, especially the chipmunks.
Griff loved spending time with family and friends, telling stories over a hot cup of black coffee. He also enjoyed scratching scratchers or wearing cards out playing solitaire while keeping score.
Our proud Marine passed July 5, 2021, close the beautiful shores of Lake Superior while in the U.P. for the summer; it was one his favorite places on earth to be.
Griff was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Leah Smutek; parents, Wink and Dorothy Brewer; biological father, Howard Griffin Sr.; along with many, many, friends and family members.
Surviving him are his wife, Sally; his son, Bridger; precious granddaughter, Dezeray; daughter and on-in-law, Charity and Pete; Godchildren, Chris, YoYo, and Lizzy; sister, Evelynn; brother, Wayne; his favorite uncle and aunt, Frank and Peg; his two best friends, Mike Schriner and Mike Rigelman; many nieces and nephews and friends; plus, a half-sister and –brother whom he was never able to meet, Michelle and Mike Griffin.
There was a private family viewing, respectfully arranged by the very caring and professional people of Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services in beautiful Marquette, MI, (906)-228-3040.
Any thoughts, memories or family contributions can be sent to Howard’s daughter, Charity Griffin, P.O. Box 293, Olivet, MI 49076.