Lorin Carl Griffith

June 17, 1929 - June 13, 2026

Hobe Sound, Florida

It is with heavy hearts yet profound gratitude for a life well-lived that we announce the peaceful passing of Lorin C. Griffith on June 13, 2026, just shy of his 97th birthday. Born on June 17, 1929, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Edith and Floyd Griffith, Lorin’s journey was one of remarkable achievements, enduring love, and a legacy of kindness and dedication to family and community.

Lorin shared 61 and a half beautiful years of marriage with his dear wife, Joyce, until her passing in 2014. They met on a blind date and Lorin was instantly smitten with this 5 foot tall nurse from Escanaba Michigan with a big heart and zest for life. Together, they were a testament to true love and partnership, creating a home filled with warmth and joy in Milwaukee, Brown Deer, Thiensville, West Bend, Wisconsin and winters in Hobe Sound, Florida. Their shared passion for travel took them on adventures across the globe, including visits to Kenya, Egypt, China, Thailand, Germany, Norway, Mexico, and cruising the Caribbean.

A proud graduate of Custer High School's Class of 1947, Lorin furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Lorin's favorite college job was driving a cab, and he carried that experience with him for the rest of his life. He never lost the knack for changing lanes without a blinker, accelerating through intersections, racing down side roads, and believing that stoplights and stop signs were merely suggestions.

Lorin, known as Grif to his friends and associates, earned a business degree and this set the stage for a lifetime of entrepreneurship. In 1961, Lorin co-founded S&G Enterprises with his friend Al Saunders. After going out on his own, the venture flourished under his guidance and later, in partnership with his son Mark. A born marketer and inventor, Lorin developed a wide range of products and had two successful patents to his name. Even after retiring in 1994, Lorin's entrepreneurial spirit and boundless drive never faded.

Lorin’s faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he began each day with devotions. A long-time member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in West Bend, Wisconsin and the First United Methodist Church in Hobe Sound, Florida, he found joy in singing in the choir, serving at the food pantry, teaching Sunday School and Confirmation and supporting children through the BackPack lunch program.

In his 50s, a serendipitous moment with a wooden tennis racket and a can of flat tennis balls sparked a passion that would last over four decades. Lorin played tennis until he was 95 1/2, relishing the competition and camaraderie. His love for the sport led him to coach the Hartford High School freshman girls’ team, where he was affectionately known as “Coach” by his “girls.” Summers were celebrated with a "Grandpa and Grandma Tennis Camp," where he passed on his love of the game to his grandchildren. Lorin was a member of the Miles Grant Tennis group, Hobe Sound, Florida, for many years. He and his tennis partner, Timmy Lang, had a tremendous win record that only the two of them could recall.

Lorin was a man of many gifts, characterized by his love for socializing, his genuine interest in others, and his pride and independence. He possessed a zest for life that was contagious, and his travels and interactions enriched all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Above all, Lorin was a devoted family man, feeling truly blessed by the love and laughter that surrounded him.

Lorin is now reunited with his Joycee, his parents, as well as his brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Marilyn Griffith, his sister and brother-in-law, Elaine and Ralph Nowicki, and the Erickson in-laws; Marion (Edward/Bud), Kenneth, Dorothy (Bob) and Robert, who predeceased him.

He proudly leaves behind a large and loving family. Lorin is survived by his five children and their spouses: Judy (Randy), Scott (Linda), Vicki (Shawn), Mark (Chris), and Jeff (Diane). His legacy is carried on by his 11 grandchildren: Brian, Abby, Amanda (Nathan), Ryan (Maria), Andrew (Emily), Clay (Devon), Kelsey (Sarah), Madi (Mitch), Grace, Connor, and Taylor, as well as 13 great-grandchildren: Leah, Ronan, Rosalind, Elowen, Corin, Marlow, Ollie, Henry, Ozzie, Evie, Millie, Louise, and Piper.

Lorin was the last of his generation and a beloved uncle to his Griffith nieces and nephews—Rick (Mary), Jane (Jim), Jean (Jack), Mary (Jim), Pam (Dave), and David (Cindy)—and their families. He was also cherished by the Erickson, Van Effen, and Williamson families.

He is also survived by his special friend, Joyce Geyer. Their friendship brought them many happy times together, including socializing with friends, attending events, and sharing mutual support and companionship.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Paurotis neighbors; Ginny and Jack, Bob and Carol, Joe and Diane, whose friendship, kindness, and watchful care enriched Lorin's life for many years; to his tennis buddies, who shared his love of the game; and to the GNOs (Guys Night Out) Wednesday night men's group, where lively debates, spirited arguments, and attempts to solve the world's problems brought him great joy.

The family is also deeply grateful to the loving and caring staff at Discovery Commons of Hobe Sound, where he made his home for the past 14 months, and to Treasure Coast Hospice for the compassionate care and support they provided during his final days.

Dad, you lived an amazing life and showed us the importance of family, love, faith and living life to the fullest. We hope you are in heaven dancing with Mom, and that there is a celestial tennis court where you can play to your heart’s content. With all our love, your children.

The family will be holding a private gathering.