GRIFFIN, George R.

George R. Griffin, age 56, died peacefully in his home in Phoe- nix, AZ December 8, 2003 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born June 19 1947 in Excelsior Springs, MO to Claudia Mason Griffin and James P. Griffin. A graduate of Washington High school-Fremont, CA. He attended College in San Jose, Ca and then entered the California National Guard from 1966-1972. George joined the Oakland Police Department November 25, 1969. He served for over 23 years as a Patrol officer, narcotics officer, and as a motorcycle officer in the traffic division. He was a proud member of the Oakland Police Department motorcycle drill team. After retirement from Oakland he worked as an investigator and sworn peace officer for the state of Arizona in the department of corrections and department of insurance. George was a loving and devoted husband, a wonderful son, and a loving and caring father, as well as a great friend to many. He is survived by his wife Afton, Phoenix AZ, mother Claudia, Bella Vista, AR, daughters Jaime (Jason) Clouser, Erica Griffin, all of Livermore, Ca, step-son John Jenkins, Lake Oswego, Or, and a multitude of cousins, of Missouri. Preceded in death by his father James P. Griffin. George was a member of the Masonic lodge, Crow Canyon no. 551 and the El Zaribah Shrine. Services will be held Friday, December 12, 2003 at 11am at the El Zaribah Shrine 552 N. 40th St., Phoenix, AZ. Contributions in George's memory may be made to El Zaribah Shrine Childrens Hospitals at 552 N. 40th St. Phoenix, AZ or the Hospice of the Valley 1510 E. Flower, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Published in the Arizona Republic on 12/10/2003.