Thomas Laird Griffin

Thomas Laird Griffin June 5, 1931 – August 11, 2024 Thomas Laird Griffin, a dedicated family man and respected businessman, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2024, in Ennis, Montana, at the age of 93. Tom was the fourth child Born on June 5, 1931, in Fullerton, Nebraska to Lillie and Gilbert Griffin. The family moved to Santa Barbara, California where Tom attended Santa Barbara Junior High School and graduated from Santa Barbara High School. After high school, Tom attended Mortuary school. In 1951, alongside his brother Russell Griffin, founded Griffin Brothers Funeral Chapels in Camarillo and Thousand Oaks, California, serving Ventura County for over 70 years. The brothers were pioneers in their community, opening a mortuary on Camarillo’s Oak Street and providing essential ambulance services. Tom served in the United States Army Reserve from 1950 until he was honorably discharged in 1956. He was an active participant in Rotary, The March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, Mary Health of the Sick, The Masons, and an active board member of Los Robles Bank. His dedication to serving others left a lasting impact on the communities he touched. Tom was married to the love of his life, the late Mary Reinhard Griffin, for 58 wonderful years. The couple was united in marriage at the First Presbyterian Church on Anapamu Street in Santa Barbara, California. Together they built their homes in both Thousand Oaks, California and Ennis, Montana where they enjoyed a rich life of hard work and adventure, as they shared a deep love for the outdoors and found solace in the beauty of nature. They spent many cherished moments together, surrounded by the tranquility of the wilderness they so adored. Tom was preceded in death by his parents Lillie and Gilbert Griffin, his older siblings, Barbara Griffin Hayes, Ruth Griffin Rankin and Russell Griffin and nephews, William Griffin Hayes and Tim Griffin. He is survived by Mike Edholm, Becky Foreman (Ron), Pamela Reinhard Gylling, Doug Hayes, Laird Hayes (Maggie), Rand Hayes, Stephanie Reilly (Dennis), Cynthia Bond (Jim), Gilbert Griffin (Ann), Mark Griffin (Ann Marie), Pam Preece (Dan), Penny Rankin and Debbie Rankin and many great nieces and nephews and their children. Tom was a devoted uncle who cherished the time spent with his nieces, nephews, and their children. His beloved dog, Wally, was his faithful companion, always by his side. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Mele Lafoou and her family of Thousand Oaks, and Joe Bagwell of Ennis, Montana for the care and companionship they provided to Tom over the years. The family would also like to thank Bailey and the care team of Madison Valley Hospital in Ennis, Montana for their compassionate care. Tom Griffin's legacy of love, family, and service will be remembered by all who knew him. His memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched. A graveside service will be held on Monday, August 26th at 1:15pm at Santa Barbara Cemetery 901 Channel Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93108 For those interested, in Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Madison River Foundation P.O. Box 1527 Ennis, MT 59729.

Thomas Laird Griffin

June 5, 1931 - August 11, 2024