Calvin Griffith, pegged as the patriarch of the local Griffith family, died Monday, Aug. 19.

Calvin Jay Griffith, 70 of Watson Township, was born in Allegan and lived in Hastings as well as Watson Township, where he raised two children. He was an avid gardener spending the majority of his time tending his beloved vegetable gardens and playing cards with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother Joyce in 1975, his father Eugene in 2011, his sister, Virginia, in 1993, and his brother, Rodney, in 2007. He is survived by his son Theodore Griffith, daughter Joyce (David) Schoon; granddaughter, Faith; sisters, Carol (Alan) Oldebecken, and Christine (Joel) Moore. As well as many nieces and nephews.
Graveside memorial services will be held at the Elmwood Cemetery in Wayland, with a celebration of life immediately following.

Family member Henry Griffith posted, “In an effort to fulfill his wishes, we won’t be having a full funeral service. But, by gosh, we will have a family shin-dig in honor of the legacy he put into each and every one of us.

“Here’s what we’ve got planned…. To push the ole’ man off to rest we’ll put him right along side his father, mother and brother at the old Elmwood Cemetery in Wayland. After that we’ll meet back up at the Austins’ place for a classic boiled dinner in the old Griffith fashion. (Polish style in a black kettle over an open fire). Maybe even some fudge and no-bake cookies!

“From there it’s nothing but family stories, games of UNO, and laughter until the night is over.

“We really hope that everyone can make it out, but if you can’t we fully understand. Calvin has held a special place in each of our hearts, and we know this kind of family gathering is the best thing we could do to honor his legacy of love, trust, and hard work.”