Robert Franklin Griffin


Robert Franklin Griffin, age 80, long time resident of Oak Harbor, died in Seattle on January 16, 2009. He was born in Jacksonville FL, on October 12, 1928, to Broward and Ruth (Todd) Griffin. He was raised in the Jacksonville area, where he graduated from high school, and then later went to college to pursue his interest in the electronics field. He served in the US Army during World War II, and was a forty year employee of the US Government Calibration Lab. He married the love of his life Czarina on September 4, 1971. Soon after they wed, the couple moved to Jacksonville FL, where they resided for seven years. They moved to the Philippines in 1980, and then made their final home on Whidbey Island.

Robert retired from NAS Whidbey Island Calibration Lab in 1995. He enjoyed spending time with his loved ones, taking long drives, riding the ferries, shopping , photography, crosswords, computers, animals and watching a lot of movies. He even pursued writing an autobiography of his journey through life and his career in the electronics field, which he hoped to get published someday.

Robert is survived by his wife of 37 years, Czarina, who continues to reside at the family home in Oak Harbor. He adored his wife and was most proud of his children and grandchildren. His love for his family was the most near and dear thing to his heart that kept him going through many trials of his life due to health issues. He is also survived by his children; Jaime Toledo (Marilou) of Macau; Elizabeth Besas (Pantallion) of Manila, Philippines; David Griffin (Catherine) of Littlestown, PA; and Cindy Brown (Richard), Louis Griffin, and Sue Gutierrez (Tino), all of Oak Harbor.
Thirteen Grandchildren: Diane Besas, Jan Lynn Toledo, Lou Jim Toledo, Johnny Ceasar Toledo, Amber Griffin, Richard Galvan, Derrick Griffin, Isabelle Griffin, Jesse Martin, Faustino Gutierrez (Tino) Jr., Christoval Gutierrez, Jessica Hawke, Alejandria Gutierrez; three great grandchildren: Czashi Besas, Vivian Hawke, and Charles Hawke.

The family wishes to express their extreme gratitude to the loving care given to Robert during his final hours at Harbor View Medical Center in Seattle surrounded by his family.

And Dad ( if you can hear this ), we know you are up there and are no longer in pain. We will love and honor you for the rest of our lives. We love & miss you.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Whidbey Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, April 14, 2009, at 2:00 PM., Rev. Rodger Truax officiating. Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Assoc. 710-2nd Ave., Suite 900, Seattle WA 98104. Family and friends are encouraged to sign the online guest register by going to www.whidbeymemorial.com. Arrangements are with the assistance of Whidbey Memorial Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., 746 NE Midway Blvd, Oak Harbor, WA.

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