Robert Wallace Griffith

Robert Wallace Griffith, 96, died July 12, 2017 in Ojai. He was born in El Centro, Calif., to Winifred Philbin Griffith and Harley Clark Griffith. His early years were spent in the tiny town of Napoleon, Ind., living with his paternal grandmother, Emma Clark Griffith. His memories of adventures at the swimming hole and the freedom to roam all day were fond and funny.

He and his grandmother then joined his father and stepmother, Myra Bell Griffith, in Omaha, Neb., where he especially enjoyed sports throughout his school years. His Omaha friendships lasted throughout his life. He attended Omaha University for three years, and was asked to attend spring training for the St. Louis Cardinals. Instead, he chose to join the Navy and was selected for Marine Corps aviation training. He served as a fighter pilot in the Pacific, stationed on Samoa. After the war, he wed his fiancée, Norma Jean Kirkpatrick. They began their married life in Cherry Point, N.C., then returned to Omaha to start their family and begin a series of moves that included Des Moines, Iowa; Arlington Heights, Ill.; Birmingham, Mich; Orinda, Calif.; and Federal Way, Wash. During those years, Robert worked and won awards in the building materials/advertising industry at U.S. Gypsum, Fenestra, Kaiser Aluminum and the American Plywood Association. Robert and Norma moved to Ojai in early 1975 when they purchased Builders’ Mart in Oak View with their partners, Bev and Bob Innes. They joined the Ojai Presbyterian Church and became active participants. They enjoyed the sense of community that they found there, and those relationships were an important part of the many friendships enjoyed throughout the Ojai Valley. “Griff” and Norma traveled extensively during retirement in the U.S., Central America, Europe, Asia and Australia. One of the highlights was a camping trip taken in his 70s by bus with a longtime friend through India, Pakistan, Greece, Turkey and Russia. Always curious and creative, he maintained an interest in world affairs and politics, and liked nothing more than to discuss the stock market, business philosophies, opportunities and techniques. Photography and jazz appreciation were among his favorite hobbies.

Robert’s family is very thankful for the support of his friends at Ojai Presbyterian Church and the many home visits by Jeff Holland, Carrie Bieber and Doug Parker. Friends and neighbors Kate, Mackenzie and Matt Russell and Hank and Nancy Wynand were special to Robert for their constant and unique friendship. Special thanks to Elma Cabusas, Steve and Olivia Davis, Susan Edge, John Elom, Lupe Garcia, Donna Gross, Melanie Ledbetter, Dawn Miner, Christina Moler, Ed, Fanny and Irene Querequincia, and Brena Shackle for their dedication and loving care. Dr. and Mrs. Raymond Sims, Patti Tindle, Dr. Bruce Brockman, Dr. John Thacher, and Dr. Jan Komura are deeply appreciated for their many years of managing Robert’s health issues in a skilled, gracious and always compassionate way.

Robert Griffith is lovingly remembered and will be missed and survived by daughters Laura Schmidt, Stacey Griffith (Jack King), and Amy Dennis (Bob), and by grandchildren Nicholas King (wife Melissa and son Mason), Jessie Bannister (husband Chris and son Cade), Ian Johnson (wife Julie and daughter Isabella), James Dennis (Meredith Soden), and by beloved longtime friends Ardith Vickery of Omaha and Betty Jo Chesney of Yucaipa.

Arrangements under the direction of Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura, CA.