William Richard "Bill" Griffin, 80, of Stowe, passed away in the
comfort of his family at Copley Hospital in Morrisville on Sunday
evening, January 2, 2011. Born in Fayston on December 30, 1930, he was
the son of the late Dennis and Ina (Pickett) Griffin. Bill was
previously married to Ellen Johnson. He later married in Waterbury,
Marilyn "Tootie" (Hoadley) French, who predeceased him on December 2,
1991. For the past 18 years Bill has been married to Elizabeth "Betty"
(Vosburgh) Wing.
Bill attended schools in Fayston and in 1948 joined the U.S. Army and
served during the Korean War. Coming back to Vermont, Bill spent his
earlier years as a logger and heavy equipment operator before working
for Dale E. Percy of Stowe for 37 years from which he retired. Never one
to sit idle, Bill later worked part time for several area contractors.
His memberships included the Harry N. Cutting American Legion Post #59
of Waterbury. In his leisure time, Bill enjoyed the love and company of
his large family, caring for his animals and working around his
property.
Bill is survived by his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" Griffin of Stowe; his
daughters, Debra Roya and her husband, William, of Irasburg, Pamela
Griffin of Williston, Susan St. Hilaire and her husband, Roger Jr., of
Williston, Kim Guyette and her husband, Bill, of Waterbury Center, Penny
Carpenter and her husband, George Jr., of Waitsfield, Sharon Thurston
and her husband, Gary, of Waterbury Center, Sylvia Aylward and her
companion, Bill Keliher, of Waterbury, Valerie Dudash and her husband,
Michael, of Conneautville, PA, and Patti Tomeny and her husband, Phill,
of Waterbury; his sons, Gary French and his wife, Marcia, of South
China, ME, Richard Griffin and his companion, Kelly Renaud, of Eden,
William French and his wife, Polly, of West Palm Beach, FL, Leonard Wing
and his wife, Dana, of Morrisville, and Steve Wing and his wife, Lynn,
of Waterbury; 30 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren; a sister,
Barbara Hale of Stowe; a brother, Robert Griffin, and his wife, Muriel,
of Fayston; his beloved dog, "Mack"; as well as nieces, nephews and
extended family. A son, Michael Griffin, and a brother, Charles Griffin,
predeceased him.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff
of Copley Hospital for the care and comfort provided to Bill and his
family.
Funeral services will be held from the Wesley United Methodist Church in
Waterbury on Monday, January 10, 2011, at 11 a.m. with a reception to
follow at the Waterbury American Legion. Friends may call at the Wesley
United Methodist Church on Sunday, January 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. Spring
committal services will take place in the Waterbury Center Cemetery. The
family requests that flowers be omitted; rather memorial gifts would be
appreciated to the North Country Animal League, 3524 Laporte Road,
Morrisville, VT 05661 or to the Lamoille Council On Aging, 109
Professional Drive, Morrisville, VT 05661. To send online condolences
please visit www.perkinsparker.com.
