William J. Griffin (Bill), 74 of Colorado Springs, died Friday, April 12th at Penrose Main Hospital surrounded by family and friends. Services will be held at 10 am Saturday, April 20th at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Colorado Springs.
Bill was born June 16th, 1944 in Des Moines, Iowa to John Thomas (JT) & Marjorie Griffin. He served in the US Air Force from 1962 – 1966 and was deployed to the Philippine Islands during the Vietnam War serving in secure communications. Bill & his father owned Griffin Oil Company, a hardware store, convenience store, and carwash. Bill served many years as a volunteer 4H Leader and firefighter with Hartford Fire; was an active member of the Hartford Presbyterian Church, Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star. In 1985, Bill and his family relocated to Colorado where Bill worked at a number of different jobs until he started his true passion, truck driving. In 2008, while driving for Gustave A. Larson, Bill was involved in a serious accident that resulted in him becoming a quadriplegic. Despite this challenge, Bill lived an active, fulfilling life, re-learning how to drive, mentoring others with disabilities at the Independence Center, and assisting with turkey basket distribution at Holy Cross Lutheran Church. Bill was truly loved by all that knew him. Bill loved watching baseball, dining out with his wife, and playing rousing games of cribbage with his grandchildren and friend Don.
Bill is survived by his wife, Susan, daughter, Jennifer Mariano (Dan), Sons: Chris Roberts (Sophia) and Mike Roberts; 9 grandchildren & 3 great grandchildren. Brother, Pat (Deb) Griffin and sisters, Sue (Jerry) Forest and Connie Griffin and many nieces and nephews. His family was his pride and joy and extreme source of pleasure.
Burial will take place at Pikes Peak National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Craig Hospital Foundation or Bread of Life Food Pantry at Holy Cross Lutheran Church.
