Robert W. Griffin

Bob passed away on March 2, 2021, after a long and courageous battle with bone cancer. Bob was born November 9, 1943, in Detroit, MI, and he graduated from Saint Stanislaus School and then attended the Lawrence Institute of Technology. He worked as a Test Engineer for General Motors and took great pride in his work. He retired after 33 years of service. Bob was a lifelong sports fan and often showed up to support youth teams when he wasn’t coaching. He was an avid fisherman. We enjoyed many good times fishing together; when we weren’t on the water, he was often making his own lures in anticipation for the next fish. He loved celebrating his big catches at the Firehouse Pub, where he enjoyed his many great friends. More than the things Bob did in his life is who he was. Bob was such a courageous, gentle, fun-loving, compassionate and generous man. His generosity extended to so many; he often put the needs of others before his own. His kids’ needs and wants always came first. His love and appreciation for my family was never-ending and they felt it every day. He dedicated much of his life to supporting veterans who fought for our freedoms. He never wanted recognition for his good deeds because he was a proud and humble man with a heart of gold. Bob and I spent 47 amazing years together. No matter how bad things got for Bob he always had a smile, a song and a joke. We laughed every day! He was always my sunshine on a rainy day. He was my love, my life, my everything . . . A true one-of-a-kind gentleman! Bob will be missed by so many family and friends especially his niece Shauna (Kevin) Franck and nephew Shea (Angela) Maliszewski and great-nephews Brady and Zeke Franck. Even from North Carolina, Shauna and Shea supported their Uncle Bob every day either in person or with daily contact since his stroke in 2016. Visits and phone calls from family and friends during his life, including the last ten months of his life meant so much to him. He was forever grateful for the love he was shown by so many, including his cousin, Jim Griffin, sister-in-law, Tish Bell, and her children Sherry, Bob, Tim, and Jerry Bell. He and I were especially thankful for the help, love and support from our dear friends, Kevin Laubach, Bob & Fran Kuss, and the Steiner family; Darla Paoletti, Dawn Germonprez, and Qui, the owner of Leongs. When I am gone, release me, let me go, I have so many things to see and do. You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears, be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love, you can only guess how much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it’s time I travelled on alone. So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted by trust. It’s only for a while that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart, I won’t be far away, for life goes on. So if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near. And if you listen with your heart you will hear all of my love around you soft and clear. And then when you must come this way alone, I’ll greet you with a smile and welcome you home.

Robert W. Griffin

November 9, 1943 - March 2, 2021