At one time cousin Ron and I were partners in crime. We planted an exploding cigarette load in several of our Grandfather Dale's PallMalls. We went back to Ron's and soon the phone rang. GRANDMA Dale asked us to come back.  He had thrown his lighter across the room when his cigarette exploded. Ron and I spent a half hour sitting on table chairs...no talking. Seemed like an eternity.

Cousin Ron was like a brother. He,his brother Steve and I were the original boys od summer. I think of you often!

Ron and I reported for duty and came home from Korea the same time. I believe he served in battery “C”? and I was in Battery “D “, 186th battalion, 2nd Division, 8th Army in Korea. During basic training , once the drill sergeants witnessed how fast he could run in combat boots and fatigues, they set up a foot race with another training unit and bets were traded on the winner. Ron won easily as the other unit did not about his relay record at the Drake Relays the previous year. He will be missed.  



Always seemed like a nice guy.  Ron was a track stud, part of the 4x800 Valley team which was nationally recognized and who, at the Drake Relays while at or near the lead in their quest for a record, which seemed like it would happen, dropped the baton and the runner fell.  He went into the infield for the baton, got back on the track and the quartet broke the record while only getting 2nd place because they got so far behind because of the dropped baton.  Rest in peach Ron.

I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Ron. Ron and I became friends in junior high. I enjoyed being around Ron; he was so easy to talk to and he had a witty sense of humor. 
He  became a celebrated cross country star  in high school, setting state records that stood for many years. Yet he had no bravado about his accomplishments.
We connected again in a grocery store about ten years ago. We discovered we both enjoyed golf so we began playing together. Some say you can get to know the true nature of a person on the golf course.  He was a very good golfer and whether he played good or bad he treated everyone around him with respect, kindness and courtesy.
I can honestly say I have never met anyone like Ron. 
His character and values reflect a Godly life. I thank God for Ron’s life.

I coached 8th grade boys' basketball with Ron from 1995 through his retirement.  As I was a first year teacher and coach, Ron's experience and wisdom were invaluable.  Griff taught me how to organize and run an effective practice.  I also appreciated Griff's dry sense of humor.  He will definitely be missed.

Rest in Peace dear cousin Ron! You, Steve, and I spent many summers together as boys making eternal memories. May God hold you in the palm of his hand forever. Until we meet again.

I was saddened to hear of Griff's passing.  I don't remember ever calling him Ron, always Griff.  I was only in my 3rd year of teaching when I started at Indian Hills, and soon discovered that Griff was someone to emulate.  I appreciated his patience, but he didn't suffer fools.  Some of his quiet comments when he was frustrated were absolutely priceless.  The stories that came out of his coaching with Steve Little were always entertaining.  Griff took his work seriously, but not himself.  He was missed by his colleagues and friends when he left IH, like he will be missed by everyone now that he's left all of us.  To his family - please know how much we liked and admired Ron at Indian Hills.  My heartfelt sympathies to all of you.

I was saddened to hear of Ron's passing.  I taught with Ron at Indian Hills before his retirement.   Although I did not work directly with Ron, I remember him as a kind and giving person.  He was also a great teacher and coworker.  My prayers and thoughts are with the family. 

I will miss Ron and his gentle nature.  I will remember his endearing love of wife Carol, daughters and the joy grandchildren brought to his days. 
Kristy Barzen 

Ron was one of a kind.  He did things for you that you didn't ask but so appreciated.  One day he handed me a tape.  When I ask what it was, he said it was " The Wizard of Oz" for my daughter.  He had removed all the advertisements because "no little girl should have to deal with them".  My daughter loved that tape and Ron for being so kind to do it just for her.  IH was family and he was a very positive force in the IH family! 

I had the privilege of coaching 8th grade girls & boys basketball with Ron from 1987 until he retired in 2004.
I also had the honor of speaking on Griff's behalf for his retirement. During his life he showed the responsibility of parenthood, commitment of marriage, togetherness of family, kids how to learn, a dedication of employment, a love for Carol.
Ron was known for his humor while coaching basketball called "Griffisms".
Some of these include; "quit waltzing around like you were at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio", "It's hard to see your teammates when you're busy reading the label on the ball as you're dribbling",  & "if the backboard was a decoration it would have Christmas lights on it"! And we did go to school at 6am before 6:30 practice to hang Christmas lights on the backboards.
Griff's humor will be missed.
All kidding aside, Griff was a great colleague, friend, & golfing buddy.

Like so many others, I first met Ron as a new teacher at Hillside Jr. High.  I started my teaching career in the fall of 1975.  I was struck with Ron's first name, knowing that it was also my first name.  Even then there weren't many of us around.   Ron was a special person.  He made me feel welcome right away.  We had so much in common---especially as Hawkeye football fans.  We were both alums of the university and attended there during the same period of time,  In later years we became more than teaching colleagues and expanded our relationship to a level of sincere camaraderie.  We enjoyed getting together to play golf at area courses, even though my game could never match his.  He was a true athlete in every sense of the word, but was an amazing track star by any measure!  I am deeply saddened by his passing, and will pray for Carol and the girls as they somehow try fill the void he has left.

Blessings and Love,

Ron Reighard

I was blessed to get to know Ron when I joined Indian Hills in 2000.  I was able to work with him as a fellow coach, then as assistant principal/athletic director, and as the principal until he retired.  I was always impressed with how well Ron and Ronda co-taught and ran the PE program.  They had high expectations, were always prepared, knew every student, and made sure students all participated, dressed, and were out to class on time.  They took ownership in taking care of and being good stewards of the PE area and grounds.  If someone put graffiti on the wall, one of them was cleaning it up before the custodian could get there.   Ron was the embodiment of pride, dedication, and character.  Both former students and staff will carry on his legacy.  Ron was truly one of the original Titans of Indian Hills.  

I met Ron as a teaching newbie in 1982. We had a natural kinship as UI grads and Hawk fans and we often talked about the ups and downs of Iowa football. He had one of the worst seats in the stadium but he loved it because the Hawks’ tunnel was an arm’s reach away as they entered and left the field. He brought his track acumen from the UI to the Valley program, and I’m sure many of his athletes are sad to hear this news but glad he was their coach. From silk-screening shirts to baking for the staff, Ron was always thinking of and cordial to his friends and colleagues. Thanks for everything, Ron - there’s one less great guy in the world today.

I had the good fortune to teach with Ron when I was a "newbie" in education, and most of all, I remember his ever present smile and cheerful disposition. It was evident that he was there for the kids, and his positivity helped shape my own philosophy as I gained experience. My thoughts and prayers to his family.

I’m saddened to hear this news. Coach Griffith was an excellent PE instructor for me at Indian Hills - where I enjoyed the ping-pong, volleyball, basketball and other activities that he lead. I also had him for a basketball coach and later as a distance Track and Field Coach. I was impressed that he would often run with us - until I learned that he was a Valley High School Track and Field State Champion! He was also a stand-out XC runner for Valley.
Coach Griffith  always showed great integrity in the many engagements I saw him. Always a gentleman and a great work ethic. Always wanted to see others improve. I think he was a great man and I am lucky to have known him.

I met Ron in November of 1977 when Indian Hills Jr High opened. Bringing together a new staff in a new building that opened after the school year started, meant many new challenges for us all. I think those challenges helped to make our staff a close knit group of not only colleagues, but also friends. Ron was kind, hard working and always open to get involved in whatever was needed.  Ron had such a positive outlook in his approach to life in general. The students that benefitted from having Ron as a teacher and also many knew him as a coach we’re very lucky. It was sad to learn of his passing, but Ron will be remembered and missed by so many who were lucky enough to call him a friend!

It was my good fortune to join Ron as a physical education teacher at Hillside 8th in 1972. In those years, Ron’s office was a small locker room under the concrete bleachers of the football stadium and mine was the locker room downstairs off the very small gym/stage area/lunchroom. Our equipment was held in a 4’x4’ closet. As young, enthusiastic teachers, we made the best of what little we had. When Indian Hills was being built and staffed, we decided to check it out! We had to ask directions to find it. It was a trip in Ron’s pickup past open snow-blown fields along 28th Street; pheasants were even spotted along the way. Arriving at the construction site, we gazed at partial, tall concrete walls of the gigantic gym and vast open space to become fields for activities. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity! Indian Hills Junior High opened in 1977 and we worked there as teaching partners and friends until we retired in 2004. 
 Character Counts, a highly valued program in education, is built on Six Pillars of good character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. Ron was the embodiment of these six pillars. Partnering with him all those years helped make good days more rewarding and enjoyable while making tough times more tolerable. I’m forever grateful. RIP, Grif.


I substitute taught with Ron many times at Indian Hills and enjoyed every minute of it. He also coached 4 of my boys in track at Valley. They excelled because of him!!  He is always fondly remembered when we talk about their running days at Valley, especially the "4 min. mile" workout before state!! Thank you, Ron! Your memory lives on for Valley track and field!!

OBITUARY

Ronald William Griffith

January 25, 1946 – December 29, 2021

McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary & Resthaven Cemetery

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