GRIFFIN, Ron

Parker Pioneer, Parker, AZ >> Ron Griffin << >> Feb. 2, 1941 – Jan. 16, 2013 << On Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2013, Ron lost his brave battle with brain cancer. He was surrounded by his loving wife of 42 years and his special sister and brother, Sig and Leland, who had just got here from Montana. He was born Feb. 2, 1941 in Wenatchee, Wash. When his mother passed way when he was five he went to live with his father in Madras, Ore. Ron loved sports, playing basketball and football. This is where he got his nickname “Little Wolf” because whenever his basketball coach was looking for him, he was usually in the bleachers with the cheerleaders. After high school, he joined the US Air Force. When he finished serving in the military, he went to work at the North Unit Irrigation District running heavy equipment. In 1981, Ron and his family moved to Fairbanks, Alaska. As the superintendent and working foreman, he spent 23 years working on the North Slope and in various villages. After visiting family who were retired in Parker for several years; in 1999, he retired, telling everyone, “I’m going to live where there is no snow and cold.” Ron belonged to VFW Post 7061 and spent over 10 years supporting their children’s Christmas party by being their Santa on a Harley. He also was a member of the country western band playing drums for a band he started known as the “Snowbird Express: with his wife Sharon and friend, Jerry Bogden. He was also a member of Parker Elks Lodge #1929, American Legion Post #466 and Eagles #4419. It was at the Elks Lodge where he met Bud Toy, who became not only a good friend but they discovered their mutual love of music. They put together a group known as “Remember When.” Ron played keyboards and Bud on saxophone; everyone really enjoyed listening to the old big band music. Ron is survived by wife Sharon; son Scott (Monica) Griffith, of Soldotna, Alaska, and three grown daughters, Crystal, Jenny and Shelly; daughter Angie (Mark) Brenton, of Roanoake, Va.; their sons, Zach and Alex; daughter Ada Sanchez, of Bullhead City, and her three grown children, Dustin, Tasha and Ricky. Ron was the proud great-grandfather of seven. He is also survived by his big brother Walter (Bus) Griffin, of Sacramento, Calif. All of family and many friends will miss his sparkling blue eyes, that wonderful smile, his great sense of humor and his kind and gentle spirit. Our family would like to thank Dr. Michael Lyster at the Lake Havasu Cancer Treatment Center for his kindness and help in treating Ron with this devastating disease. We are also very grateful for the kind and gentle care from the staff of the Polidori House of Hospice of Havasu. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Polidori House, 1970 Bahama Ave., Lake Havasu City, AZ.