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Feb. 17, 1927 – Feb. 25, 2012
A precious soul left us on Feb. 25. Richard “Dick” Griffith shed his earthly body and was off to explore the wonders of the world beyond before returning to the arms of his anxiously waiting family members and the comforting love of the Lord. Dick was born in Lake Point to Joseph Quincey and Mary Jefferies Griffith. He grew up in Lake Point and Tooele. Dick was a proud Veteran of World War II. He joined the Coast Guard at the age of 17. After attending Radio School in Atlantic City, N.J., he was stationed in the South Pacific on the tiny island of Atafu. He never tired of telling stories of his time on Atafu and of the kindness, serenity and love of the people of the island. After returning from military service, Dick graduated from Tooele High School. Dick attended the University of Utah. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren love cheering for the Utes with “Great.” He worked at Tooele Army Depot and retired as Chief of the Management Review and Analysis Division in 1986. It was while working at Tooele Army Depot that he met and married Helen Kathleen Coucher. Together they raised three children and created a life in Tooele. Although his life revolved around his family, he made many lasting friendships such as those he enjoyed with Jack and Marie Welsh, Cec Dougherty, Rex Walters and Bob Baldwin. Dick was a volunteer fireman with the Tooele City Volunteer Fire Department for 55 years and was proud to have served in every position of that organization. He was honored to have served as Fire Chief in 1975 and 1976. The camaraderie and brotherhood that he enjoyed with this organization was unmatched and he maintained that members of the TCFD were the finest men he ever knew. He was proud to have served with family members including his son Robert, son-in-law Rik and a dear nephew Brent Curry, as well as many other relatives. He served on the Tooele Federal Credit Union Board of Directors for several years. Dick enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons, siblings and their families and friends. He spent many a snowy night in a tent in West Canyon “shooting the bull” and preparing to bag the deer. It is believed that over the years, more bull was shot than deer bagged, but he treasured the experience either way. For many years, Dick planted a glorious vegetable garden and loved to make bountiful vegetable baskets to deliver to family and friends. His green thumb and hard work produced jack-o’-lantern worthy pumpkins for many years. In later years, although he faced many health challenges, he was typically the patient that all of the caregivers loved to care for. He was sweet and witty— surprising them often with stories or comments. Dick is survived by his wife, Kathleen; his son Robert (Patty) Griffith; his daughter Elizabeth (Rik) Reed; grandchildren Heidi (Jamie) Anderson; Hilary Skoglund; Jenifer (Gilbert) Rojas; Jessica (Christian) Deputy; Lance Griffith; Amanda Griffith; Aubrey Griffith; and Nathan Griffith. Great-grandchildren are Chase Roberts; Colby, Hannah and Autumn Anderson; and Tarek and Oliver Rojas. His seventh great-grandchild will arrive this summer, but we know that by then, “Great” will have already kissed this new little one a million times and primed him to provide humor, chaos and excitement for the family. We look forward to seeing the gleam in his eyes as Great’s legacy continues. Dick is also survived by his dear brother Bill (and Joann) Griffith; sister Mary Jane Curry; sisters-in-law Alice Griffith and Betty Lou Coucher; brother-in-law Bob Coucher, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son Richard Cary Griffith; brothers Jeff, Dan (and Linda), and Joe Griffith; sisters Lois (and Eldy) Bryan and Nancy (and Hammer) Higley; brothers-in-law Art Curry and Ed Coucher; and sister-in-law LaDene Coucher. Funeral services will be held at Tate Mortuary in Tooele on March 2 at 1 p.m. The family will receive visitors at Tate Mortuary on March 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., prior to the services. Interment will be in the Tooele City Cemetery. Rest in peace Dad, you fought the good fight, won many battles, and are deserving of this ultimate blessing to return home. We’ll miss you so.
