Ryan Matthew Griffin

Ryan spent several years in the US Army, attaining the rank of Sergeant and receiving numerous Military Honors and awards serving his country. Although Ryan traveled and lived all over the United States, he returned home to the Kirkland area 3 years ago and was attending college focusing on his degree and his music! Ryan was most passionate about his music, and was maintaining high scores on all of his performances and compositions while attending Shoreline Community College. Ryan loved the outdoors, and spent most of his time fishing, hiking, playing baseball and lifting weights. He is survived by his 2 daughters, Maddlyn and Aubrey Megan; his parents, Sharon and Kenneth Griffin and a sister, Amanda Griffin.

Ryan Griffin Accomplishments/Stories - From Dad

As a youth excelled in sports especially Baseball - great batter, played 2nd base, center field & pitcher. Liked to dive for fly balls, hit the ground, roll & jump up with the ball. Had a variety of curve balls Dad could never do, nor could I even catch them.

US Army - graduated "Honor Graduate" from Basic Infantry Training, "Distinguished Honor Graduate" from Advanced Indiv. Trng (AIT) and top 10 of his class "Topographic Terrain Analyst - Nat'l Geospatial Intelligence Agency". Maxed promotion board getting 150/150 pts. Made Sergeant E-5 Non-Commissioned Officer in two years by age 21. "Expert Marksman". Maxed PT tests, created Physical Fitness Programs & Physical Fitness Trainer for his unit . Military Awards included: "Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Nat'l Defence Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon".

While in the service, married at age 20 HS sweetheart with 3 yr old son followed soon after by two of daughters, Maddlyn and Aubrey Megan. Ryan loved his wife and children, was a good husband and extremely proud of his family.

College/Vocational: Completed 56 College Cr Hrs - pre-req courses aimed at transferring to UW Geography Dept - BS degree in GIS (Geographic Info Systems). Proud of his A's in college level Math & English Exp Writing. Also, completed WA State Electrician Apprentice Program courses on the side preparing to take the entrance exam. Was torn between College & Electrician.

Was quickly becoming an accomplished guitarist & music technician, taking guitar, music theory & singing lessons through Shoreline CC. Enjoyed playing weekend gigs in various bands with his friends. Always tinkering with his 5 guitars & a mass of electronic equip.

Numerous fishing stories with Dad - most recent outing the two of us in our boat right out in front of the Hood Canal house. With Dad at the helm, Ryan caught three Silver Salmon (one 15 lbs) and his first Sea Run Cutthroat casting with his new Fly fishing outfit. Magical father n son day!

- 5 minute reading by Ken - Grandma Griffin's family stories book - selections on Ryan