Richard Joseph Griffin, 74, of Atwood, died Monday, August 3, 2020.
Richard was born to Paul E and Viola (Coyne) Griffin on April 15, 1946
in Marysville KS. At the tender age of 4, Rich and his brother Paul Jr.
were reluctantly admitted to Winfield State Hospital by their father
after their mother passed suddenly. For 26 years, he lived in different
institutions. He joined our family at PDC in 1977. In 1994, Rich moved
into a house with his good friend Donald Gilbert. A few years later
Don’s sister Susan and her husband Loren purchased a trailer home for
them. Susan continued to love and care for Rich after Don’s passing.
Rich loved Susan and appreciated her loving care.
How do we remember Rich? Many years ago, he said I could use the word
“ornery”. He was that and our teaser. He loved to have fun. Rich enjoyed
coffee, hot cakes, cinnamon rolls, banana cake and coke. He liked
watching Westerns and wanted popcorn anytime he watched a movie. (Of
course, half the popcorn landed on the floor!) He loved Special Olympics
Basketball, bowling, softball, shooting pool, going to camp and of
course Christmas. Rich was a very big fan of RCHS football and
basketball games. Some of his favorites were going fishing, dogs and
holding babies.
Rich attended the Christian Church and was dear friends with Jim Begley.
Mr. Begley took such special care of Rich and he loved him dearly. Last
month our hearts were touched by Rich’s tenderness for Kelly. He had a
bouquet of flowers for her and he kept teasing her with them. Finally,
he gave them to her and said “Love you”
From all of your PDC family we were blessed to have you in our lives. We will miss you and love you!!
A memorial service will take place at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 14, 2020
at the Prairie Development Center, Atwood. Following the service, at
2:00 p.m. Rich will be inurned next to his good friend, Donnie in the
Gem Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the PDC and can be sent in care
of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For information or
condolences visit www.baalmannmortuary.com