Charles Griffin

Obituary photo

Charles Robert Griffin
02 Jul 1937 - 29 Nov 2022

Clubs & Associations

Boots in Squares
Shoreline Squares
Temple Squares
Windmill Twirlers

Quick Facts

His daughter, Mandi Griffin and granddaughter Lizz Ashby are also members of Temple Squares

Medallion Dancer

2017 | 10 Year Medallion at Palm Springs Swing & Mix 2017

Obituary

Charles Robert Griffin passed away November 29, 2022, surrounded by his family from both sides of the veil. Chuck was born and raised in Inglewood California. After graduating High School, his family moved to Torrance California, where soon after he left for the Far East Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in Japan. Returning home he resumed his position in the National Guard as a tank driver, he met and married Carol Lee Russell. During their marriage they had two daughters, moved to Utah, and divorced after about 10 years. Continuing in the National Guard for a total of 20+ years, he attended officer training and jump schools, becoming a Green Beret Special Forces as an interrogator, fluent in 4 languages; rising to the rank of Captain. After retiring from the National Guard and Reserves, he went to school to become an accountant. He enjoyed many activities including riding his motorcycle, Bell & ASL choirs, and square dancing; which is where he met his wife Lillian Mary Wanicki. They served in the Los Angeles Temple for decades, loved doing family history work; gifting binders of genealogy to family and friends. They also enjoyed keeping up with a massive Christmas card list, mailing hundreds (as an understatement) of cards every year. They enjoyed 25 years of marriage before her passing in December of 2006. After retiring from his long time accounting position, he moved closer to family, and enjoyed the time he got to spend with them.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles & Evelyn; and his wife Lillian.

He is survived by his daughters Amanda “Mandi” and Bonni (Doug); his four grandchildren; and ten great grandchildren; as well as his four siblings Mary, Keith (Karen), Diana (Mike), and Raymond (Becky).

The family would like to thank the hard work and dedication of Active Hospice for the tender care they gave in serving Charles.

A viewing will be held Sunday, December 4, 2022 from 3-4pm at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary located at 3401 Highland Dr. Salt Lake City, Utah 84106, with a funeral service to follow.^[1]