Richard M. Griffin

Richard M. Griffin, 84, passed away peacefully Tuesday June 7, 2011, at home. He was born in Inglewood, Calif., in 1926 to Lawrence and Eloise Griffin, and grew up in El Segundo, Calif. After graduation from El Segundo High School, he served in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1946. Richard married Audrey Lee Bryant in 1947, and they moved to Santa Barbara, where he attended UCSB. A music major, Richard played the bass violin in various bands. In 1949, they moved back to El Segundo and then to Manhattan Beach. In 1959, the family moved to Glendora, Calif. In addition to his career with the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department, Richard taught Interrogation and Investigation Procedures at Mount San Antonio Junior College in West Covina. He was a member of Toastmasters International and played the trombone in the Covina Concert Band. In 1977, after an exciting and satisfying 28 years, Richard retired from the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department, and he and Audrey moved to Morro Bay. In retirement, he became a member of the Morro Bay Golf Club, where he served as club president in 1986. He was also a member of American Legion Post 66, SLO Elks Lodge, National Rifle Association, California Homicide Investigators Association and Masonic Lodges. He spent over 30 years serving several Masonic Organizations, and his distinguished service was recognized by having received the Hiram Award in 2000. He also played violin in the San Luis Obispo Chamber Orchestra and had played bass violin with the West Coast Fiddlers for over 10 years. He had a truly generous spirit and always wanted to help and take care of people in need. He was beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, and will be truly missed by all. Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Audrey; daughters Kathleen Thomas of Morro Bay and Susan Zottneck (Ron) of Upland, Calif.; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and sister, Judith Taylour of Canyon Country, Calif. A memorial service will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, June 25, 2011, at the King David Masonic Temple, 859 Marsh St. in San Luis Obispo. In lieu of flowers, the family request that a donation be made in his name to your favorite charity.