Orville B. “Grif” Griffin passed away quietly in his sleep on Tuesday December 2, 2020 at the Ponderosa Villa in Crawford, Nebraska.
Grif was born on August 1, 1933 in Chicago, Illinois to Orville B. Griffin, Sr. and Louise W. (Lelois) Griffin. Grif grew up in the small town of Wheeler, Indiana along with his sister Margaret. Grif graduated from Wheeler High School in 1952 and then joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict. He served as an Electronic Technician on the U.S.S. Gregory, a destroyer in the Pacific.
Grif was stationed in San Francisco, California when he met his future wife, Jacqueline B. Streiff. Grif and Jackie were married in Daly City, California on March 11, 1955. From this marriage four children were born: Michael L., Kristin W., Laura L., and Jeffrey A.
Grif had a varied career with many different companies in many different locations. He was most proud of his work with the pioneering companies of the new computer age, starting in the late 1950’s through the 1970’s in the Santa Clara Valley (now known a Silicon Valley). He was equally as proud of starting a new business and career as the owner of Snowbird Transportation in Bountiful, Utah in the 1980’s.
Grif and Jackie moved back to Indiana in the early 1990’s to be near his parents. After Jackie passed in 2000, Grif moved to Crawford, Nebraska where he has lived for the past 19 years.
Grif was preceded in death by both of his parents and his beloved wife, Jackie. Grif is survived by his sister Margaret Allen-Schilf and his four children: Michael Griffin (Donna) of Crawford, Nebraska; Kristin Griffin of the Philippines; Laura (Griffin) Reed of Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Jeffrey Griffin (Deborah) of Hurricane, Utah, as well as twelve grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.
A memorial has been established for Ponderosa Villa Auxiliary Fund. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, P.O. Box 970, Chadron, Nebraska 69337. Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com.