Kenneth O. Griffin

BOX ELDER - Kenneth Orville Griffin, 57, Box Elder, passed away Thursday morning, May 26, 2011, at his home.

Ken was born Dec. 2, 1953, to Rita and Orville Griffin. He graduated from Douglas High School in 1972. Ken was a "jack of all trades" and would try anything at least once. Ken's true calling was to be a chef and a great one he was. He loved being a chef so much so, that he not only did it for a career but would cook at church functions, family gatherings, and anything he could find excuses to cook for.

Kenneth was a "get it done, take charge" kind of a man. He was employed at the Holy Smoke Resort in Keystone, where he got paid doing exactly what he loved.

Kenny fell ill in September of last year and was heartbroken to learn he was no longer able to work. Instead of letting his illness bring him down, he got in touch with his playful side as his family all found out when he started calling them at 5 o'clock in the morning to say things like "I'm an amazing person and you should feel honored that my voice was the first thing you heard to start your day." In the past few months, Kenny enjoyed reconnecting with his family and friends by taking trips to his newly found favorite store, The Dollar Store. After a bit of shopping, Kenny would stop at the La Grand Station to have a cup of coffee and a good conversation with everyone including his family who all work there, so he got to see them all in one stop. If you ever met Kenny, you would know if he picked on you, he liked you! He will be missed by many.

Kenny is survived by two sisters, Barb Navrisky and Joni Goff, a brother, James Griffin, two nieces Brandy Siers (Desmond) and Chyanne Navrisky (James), a nephew, Cody Navrisky, two great-nieces, Kaylonie Goff and Mary Siers, a great-nephew, Desmond Siers, and two great-greats on the way, all of Box Elder; several aunts and uncles, which include, Dee Shoemocker of Rapid City, Mona Gardner of Keystone, and Slim Lanier of Rapid City; and many cousins. Much love to all of our Rousseau and Griffin family members.

Kenny was preceded in death his mother and father, Rita and Orville Griffin; a brother-in-law, Marcus Navrisky; a great-nephew, Tayo Siers; and a great-niece, Breanna Jo Siers.

Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 1, at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church in Rapid City with Fr. David Matzko, S.J. presiding.

An online guestbook is available at www.kirkfuneralhome.com.