Earl Griffith, age 79, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2016 in Kenmore, WA. He was born April 22, 1937 in Oakley, Kansas to Charles and Bertha Griffith. After graduating from high school Earl joined the military, serving in the Navy for 20 years from 1956-1975. In 1963, while stationed at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, Earl met and married Margie Loomer of Bellingham, WA. He immediately adopted her four children and became an instant father. Earl did three tours during the Vietnam War, serving as an aviation mechanic on the aircraft carriers USS Kitty Hawk and the USS Oriskany. The family moved to California in 1968 when Earl was transferred to the Naval Air Station, Alameda, CA. In 1970 the family welcomed a very special baby, when Sherri Ann is born. After retiring from the Navy in 1976 the couple and Sheri returned to Washington and settled in Kenmore. Earl then began a career with Boeing, working on the then, top secret, Stealth Bomber.
Earl was preceded in death by his daughter Sheri in 2004. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Margie, children Cindy (James) Bennington who resides in Gresham OR, Blair Griffith of Blaine, Lori (Paul) Wisheropp who resides in Sacramento, CA and Brad (Kelly) Griffith of Sequim. Earl is grandpa to 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
A Service of Remembrance with full military honors will be held at Westford Funeral Home in Bellingham, at 1 PM on Friday, June 24th. Reception following.
A Memorial Service in Bellevue will be held at New Hope International Church, on Saturday, July 30th at 2 PM.