Horace Griffen Obituary

Horace Bigelow Griffen III passed away peacefully on October 11, 2017 at the age of 96, while visiting Cancun, Mexico.

Born Feb. 14, 1921 in Mesa, AZ. After graduating from Mesa High in 1939, the star quarterback went to USC on a football scholarship. He was inducted into Mesa Sports Hall of Fame in 1992. Horace lived life to the fullest and had a variety of interesting careers and hobbies. He was a paperboy for the AZ Republic, an actor, a pilot and pilot trainer for British fighter pilots in WWII at Falcon Field, a Buick dealership owner in Yuma, a New York Life salesman in Yuma, Scottsdale, Farmington and Durango. He and his wife, Jackie, were top sales people and received national recognition. He was a member of the 1949 City of Yuma record breaking flight team. He was a lifelong Rotarian (past president, Durango), a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, the Elks Lodge, Yuma Chamber of Commerce, the Yuma Union High School Board, past president of the Arizona Automobile Association, founding member of the Durango Barber Shoppers. An avid Golfer, Horace was president of the Hillcrest Golf Club and for many years chaired the Navajo Trails Tournament. He loved 4-wheeling in the mountains of Colorado, enjoyed spending summers fishing, house boating on Lake Powell, and winters RVing throughout southwest US and Mexico. In his later years, he loved going on several cruises and world travel with Mary Ann Elliott.

Preceded in death by his parents, Horace Bigelow Griffen II and Jessie Griffen, wife and love Jackie Eubank Griffen, and sister Clare Griffen Horlbeck (Earl). He is survived by his children Kent Griffen (Anne), Judy Griffen Gardner, Linda Bray (Brian), 7 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, various other family members, and his long-time significant other, Mary Ann Elliott and her family.

Horace was a leader among leaders and a gentleman's gentleman. He never spoke unkindly of anyone and never met a stranger. Anyone who knew him was better for it. His smile was infectious and his love of children and animals was unmeasured. His faithful dog Mitzi still sits by his chair. Horace will be forever loved and greatly missed.

Donations may be made in his name to Valley Humane Society, PO Box 10480, Casa Grande, AZ 85130 or Child Crisis Center of Mesa, 1045 E. University Dr. Mesa, AZ 85203.

A "Celebration of Life" Open House will be held on Saturday, Nov. 25 from 4-7 pm at the Leisure World Club Room located at 908 S. Power Road, Mesa, Arizona.