William Howard (Bill) Griffith, Jr. of Seattle went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 1, 2013. He was 83 years old. Bill was born in Burbank, California on October 29, 1929 to Violet and William Griffith. With his sisters Dawn and Corinne and his younger brother David, the family lived and grew together in Everett, Washington. After attending public schools in Everett, Bill graduated from Everett High School. Bill married Joyce Anderson on February 23, 1952 in San Jose, California. Following his Navy service deployment during the Korean War, they moved to Bellingham where Bill attended Western Washington College. Eventually, he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Seattle Pacific College. They moved to Bainbridge Island and joined the Bainbridge Island First Baptist Church and, later, the Neighborhood Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. Living on Bainbridge as a ferry commuter and a family man, Bill oversaw and participated in the construction of their family home. For a while, he worked as a salesman for Stratoflex during the week and sold property at Lake Cushman on weekends. He joined the Coast Guard Reserve and eventually retired as a Lieutenant Commander. For the bulk of his working life, he worked for Washington State’s Department of Social and Health Services in the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Starting as a vocational counselor, he moved up the ranks and retired as DVR’s Chief Auditor. Away from work, Bill loved sailing. Annual family vacations were spent on the Felicity, the Wind Rose, the Cat’s Paw, and the Catspaw sailing in the San Juan and Gulf Islands. Favorite destinations included Roche Harbor (for the pool), Sidney, BC (for the bakery), Victoria (for the antiques), and Sidney Spit (for the beachcombing). In 1991, he circumnavigated Vancouver Island with his brother David, son Danny, and son-in-law Dan. Bill had many other interests. He enjoyed computers and technology, traveling, reading, stargazing, and flying. He was an avid sports fan. When he and Joyce retired, they were able to spend time together traveling. They went on a transatlantic cruise on the QE ll and flew on the Concorde. They also spent many winters in Tucson, where they enjoyed sightseeing, outdoor activities, and visiting with new friends from all over the country. Bill was a lifelong born-again Christian. He and Joyce were members of Grace Church in Arbor Heights. They both loved the Lord and worked together to ensure that each of their children develop personal relationships with Jesus. He had a great sense of humor and was thoroughly devoted to his family. He will always be fondly and lovingly remembered as a wise mentor and a source of unconditional love in each of their lives. Bill passed away at Swedish Hospital in Seattle with family members at his side. He is preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Joyce, infant son Peter Evan Griffith, and his sister Dawn Ludwick. He is survived by his son Bill Griffith and his wife Joan, his daughter Katie Snook and her husband Dan, his son Dan Griffith, his sister Corinne Lloyd, his brother David Griffith, several in-laws, and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind grandsons Will Griffith, Pete Griffith, Ivan Snook, and Andy Snook. We all miss him so very, very much. Love you, Dad!
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