Robert G. Griffin's Obituary
Robert Glaye Griffin Tacoma Attorney Robert Glaye Griffin, born February 21, 1924, passed away peacefully January 8, 2008 at American Lake Veterans Hospital at the age of 83. Robert was born in Victory, Wisconsin. He was raised by his aunt and uncle in Morgantown, West Virginia, where he graduated from high school at 17. Robert was working as a Chemical Laboratory Assistant when he enlisted in the U. S. Army for World War II. His was assigned to the 295th Combat Engineer Battalion. Robert served from Normandy through the Battle of the Bulge, where he was captured by the Germans and was a POW, where he escaped, and was recaptured, and was a German POW until April of 1945. His military battles and campaigns were Normandy "D" Day, Northern France, Rhineland, Central Europe. He received the following decorations: American Theatre, Good Conduct, EAME Ribbon Battle Stars, Victory Medal and Prisoner of War Medal. At the end of World War II, Robert worked as a carpenter, iron worker and various other skilled trades with the unions. He was working his way through college and graduated in 1953 with a B.A. from the University of Washington. He continued his education and was an adjunct teacher at the University of Washington, where he obtained his LLB (Law Degree)in 1956. He was a Phi Beta Kappa at the University of Washington, and remained an avid U of W Huskey alumni and fan. Robert belonged to the Washington State Bar Association from 1956 to present; Washington State Trial Lawyers Association from 1960 to present; Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, and American Trial Lawyers Association. He held a "Professional Honor" as an Arbitrator for the Pierce County Superior Court. His area of practice was Personal Injury Litigation and Labor Law. Robert's private practice included representing various Tacoma unions: Cooks & Waiters, Electricians, Bartenders, Laborers, Longshoremen, Plumbers, Lumber & Sawmill Workers, Teamsters, and Iron Workers. In 1992, Robert was recognized as a "Founder" by the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association for 25 years of his continuous support. In 1996, Robert was recognized by the Washington State Bar Association for forty years of service to the legal profession in the State of Washington. He had several court cases throughout his legal career that have changed the laws in the State of Washington. He was a founder of the Tacoma Legal Aid Society. During the mid 1960's, Robert ran for Port of Tacoma Commissioner, where he lost by a very narrow margin. His dedication to the development of Tacoma and the legal arena was very close to his heart. He often served as a Judge Pro Tem for Pierce County. Additionally, he often taught "Introduction to Law" and "Labor Law" at Tacoma Community College in the early '70's. Robert enjoyed helping others and was very generous to his family, friends and others less fortunate. He loved teaching and the enthusiasm of the younger generation. An avid Democrat for life and lawyer for the working class people. He was a member of the Tacoma Elk's Lodge # 174, 33rd Degree Mason, and a Shriner, with the Affi Patrol, where he devoted much of his time marching with the Provo Guard. Robert was an avid gardener and he had a passion for his roses and flowers. His flowers were spectacular and he took great pleasure in presenting them to others. Robert's strong work ethic and devotion to his family, legal profession and his community will be his legacy to all who have loved him. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Thanks be to God for the life of Robert Glaye Griffin. Robert is survived by his beloved wife Ilene Frances (Lahmann) Griffin, to whom he was married to for 44 years. He has three children, Brenda Yormack of Tacoma, Kandi (Art) Boyce of Federal Way, Terry (Chris) Larson of Parkland, Alisha Griffin of Puyallup, and two stepdaughters, Frances (Lance) Bondy of New York and Annette (Kevin) Fender of Florida. He had seven grandchildren, James Robert Forman, Lance H. Bondy II, Erin S. Lanuti, Devon K. Bondy, Jennifer R. Pierce, Danielle C. Fender, Nicole Byzinker. Robert had 7 great-grandchildren, Isaiah Glaye Griffin, Ciera Grandberry, Sequoia Griffin, Ethan B. Byzinker, Bailey Bondy, Piper Bondy and Graham Lanuti. Friends may call at Mountain View Funeral Home January 17, 2008 between the hours of 2pm to 9pm for viewing and to pay their respects. Funeral services will be held in the Garden Chapel at Mountain View Memorial Park Friday, January 18, 2008 at 11:00 am. A reception will follow at Mountain View. Robert will be laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery. Flowers are welcome and/or donations made to Tacoma Elk's Lodge #174 E.N.F. (Elk's National Foundation for charities), 1965 South Union Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98405-1098 (253) 272-1117. Please view and sign the family guest book at www.mountainviewtacoma.com
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