Gerald Newton Griffith

Gerald Newton Griffith, 95, passed away at 11:11 on July 8th, bringing his well-lived life to a peaceful close. He was attended in death as he was in life by his beloved daughter Lori and her husband Dan.

Jerry was born in Portland, OR, in January 1929, to Mary and Jesse Esta Griffith. As kids, Jerry and his brother William (Bill) helped Mary and Esta run the family store, Bybee Avenue Grocery. Jerry attended Washington High School, where he was often seen on stage in plays and choir concerts. After graduation in 1947, he served on numerous reunion committees for many years.

When his parents sold their business, Jerry went on to make a career at Kienow’s Foods, where he worked until retirement. He served in the Naval Reserves and participated in many benevolent organizations like The Elks, Kiwanis, and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church food shelf. He served as both a Board member and volunteer for the Milwaukie Community Center.

Jerry met Ruth Hoffart, an adventure-loving nurse at the Oregon VA on a blind date. It was a match made in heaven, and the two were married in September of 1961. Their twin daughters, Lori and Lynn, came along the next year, and Jerry and Ruth embraced parenthood. There was no more enthusiastic cheer squad than the Griffiths at Lori and Lynn’s sporting and school activities. Jerry and Ruth also were part of a wonderful group of friends in Oregon, and they enjoyed numerous social outings, picnics, concerts, and weekly restaurant gatherings together.

Jerry loved life, and enjoyed a number of pursuits, including motor bike racing, car rallies, golf, snow skiing, scuba and snorkeling, and being out on the boat with family and friends. Ruth and Jerry also enjoyed travel, especially family vacations. They also took numerous trips together to places like Alaska, the Panama Canal, and Germany. In 2003 they took a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan to visit Lynn’s family. Friends and family, and sometimes even strangers (who soon became friends!) were often regaled with stories of Jerry’s adventures, which always included detailed descriptions of every restaurant involved; even his grandchildren knew that Grandpa could always remember where and what he ate on every special occasion.

In 2018, Jerry and Ruth moved to Stillwater, MN to be closer to their daughters and their families. Their greatest joys were family gatherings and especially time with their grandchildren. They were well-known attendees at their grandkids’ concerts and school activities. Jerry will be remembered by all who knew him for his smile, his story-telling, and his zest for life.

After the untimely death of Jerry’s daughter Lynn, and then Ruth’s passing only seven months later, Jerry and Lori grew closer than ever, and spent as much time as they could together. Even as he neared the end, Jerry assured Lori (or “Ace” as he called her) of his presence in special ways. In his last days, though he spent most of his hours sleeping, he would occasionally squeeze her hand, and even wake long enough to wink at her. He passed from this life at 11:11 p.m., a time that was special because the number 11 was special to them: Lori and Lynn were born 11 minutes apart; Lori wore number 11 on her sports jersey; and Lori’s daughter was born on the 11th.

Jerry is survived by his daughter Lori Olson and son-in-law Dan Olson; sons Stan and Don and daughter Debbie from his first marriage; grandchildren Jake, Seth, Ruth, Stefanie, and Justin; great-grandson Silas; nieces and nephews, and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Bill, his beloved wife Ruth, and his dear daughter Lynn.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Saturday, July 27th, 11:11 a.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (1616 Olive Street W, Stillwater MN 55082), with visitation beforehand at 10:00 a.m. Bradshaw Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

If you wish to honor Jerry with a memorial, his family invites you to consider making a donation to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church’s youth ministry or The Epilepsy Foundation.