Obituary

Gary Griggs, age 82, of Goodyear, AZ left this mortal realm on May 16, 2022. He is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Bev; their son Michael (Shelly) Griggs; daughter, Kim Guerin; granddaughters, McKenna King and Rooney Jane Guerin; brother, Dan Griggs ad brother-in-law, Mark (Sandra) Haner; nephew Matthew and niece Alison Haner; and two step-grandsons, Collin (Laura) Owen and Ryan Owen. Gary was preceded in death by his parents Otto and Kittie Griggs of Las Cruces, NM.

Gary was born in Wichita Falls, TX then grew up in Las Cruces, NM. He attended Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and UNM prior to enlisting in the United States Marine Corps where he served for 8 years and was a Vietnam combat veteran. He met the love of his life while on Christmas leave in 1962; they wed in 1965 and they were married for almost 58 years.

Gary enjoyed everything life had to offer but family was his first and foremost love. He loved them from the first moment he held them in his arms. It was watching his children grow and learn, set and achieve goals, become adults and have their own families that brought smiles to his face. Then it was the granddaughters who brought a new dimension of love to Gary’s life. How he adored those girls and was truly their proud Papa.

Tremendous and heartfelt thanks go to the exceptional doctors and nurses at St. Joseph Hospital Neuro Intensive Care Unit and also to Encompass Health and Acute Rehab in Glendale who provided a compassionate environment while carrying out their incredible nursing duties. An extra special thank you is extended to Hospice of the Valley during Gary’s transition from rehab to home, then from this life to the next. Their care and support of both Gary and our family was the best anyone could have and much appreciated.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Church at Litchfield Park in June. A date has not been set at this time. Internment will take place at the Phoenix Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made in Gary’s name to The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, The Church of Litchfield Park, or Hospice of the Valley.