Gary Franklin Griffin

Gary Griffin, 90, of Roseville, California, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 29, 2026. At the time of his passing, Gary was residing in Sugar Land, Texas, though California was always home in his heart.

Gary grew up in Merced, California, and later attended Harvard Academy in Los Angeles, California. He graduated from Piedmont High School in 1953 before continuing his education at the University of California, Berkeley.

Gary married Sue Breckenridge in 1955, and they made their home in Piedmont, California. Shortly after their marriage, Gary proudly joined the United States Army. He was stationed at Thule AFB located in Greenland, where he served for two years, proving that he could thrive even in the harshest conditions. After his service, Gary and Sue welcomed two children: Greg Griffin of Sugar Land Texas, and Beth Griffin Sloan of Omaha, Nebraska.

Gary enjoyed a successful career as an executive in the insurance industry for eighteen years. In 1975, he became Owner and President of Hammond and Stephens, an educational publishing company based in Fremont, Nebraska. In 1978, he relocated to Fremont to be more hands-on with the business. While there, he married his soulmate, Diane Morison. Gary was blessed with two stepdaughters, Susan Gehres and Kathy Morison, both of California. Gary and his sister Judy Carr of Florida have always remained close even though distance separated them. Sister and Brother-in-law Sally and Bill Kadell of Carmel California were treasured friends whom Gary cared deeply for, always there for them as they had been for him.

When he retired from Hammond and Stephens in 1990, Gary and Diane returned to California. Gary and Diane shared a fulfilling life together. They loved gardening, attending the symphony, and spending time with friends and family. They lived in Sun City, Roseville, California, for 25 years, building a home filled with warmth, laughter, and the occasional home project. Gary and Diane had an amazing group of friends at Sun City in Roseville. Many special relationships were formed there and have lasted through the years.

Gary was deeply involved in the rescue and rehoming of Golden Retrievers, known as Golden Retriever Rescue, a cause close to his heart. He and Diane spent hours driving to pick up and care for at-risk dogs. Known affectionately as the neighborhood “Mr. Fix-It,” Gary never hesitated to lend his time, tools, or talents to anyone in need. He walked daily, loved golfing with friends, and was legendary for his skills at the grill—no one ever left his backyard hungry, even when he and his friend and brother-in-law, Barry Brannan, famously blew up a Christmas turkey.

Gary had a wonderful sense of humor, often delivered with perfect timing and a twinkle in his eye. If you were lucky enough to know him, you loved him—and probably laughed a lot, too.

Special thanks to Grand Living in Sugar Land, Texas, for their kindness to Gary. He had many special people who loved him there, especially Jackie and Eugene. His caregivers, Ofelia and Wendy, were our angels on earth. They cared for him with genuine love, and we will always be grateful to them. Also cherished were his morning breakfast companions, who always started the day together with many good laughs.

Gary is survived by his sister Judy Carr, his son, Greg Griffin (Elizabeth), his daughter, Beth Griffin Sloan; and his stepdaughters, Susan Gehres and Kathy Morison (Tracie). He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Blake Sloan (Jenna), Ryan Sloan (Allison), Jay Sloan (Kinzie), and Courtney Christensen (Jeremy), all of Nebraska; Geoffrey Griffin (Laura) of Idaho; Cori Graham (Wyatt) of California; and Alexander Pannullo (Madeline) of California. Gary was further blessed with thirteen great-grandchildren.