Calvin Jay Griggs ("Cal"), 84, of Maricopa, Arizona, passed away on January 16, 2026. He was born on June 25, 1941, in Chico, California, and grew up on a working farm where everyone contributed and nothing was wasted. Those early years—marked by hard work, thrift, and family responsibility—formed the foundation of the man he would become.
When his family left the farm and moved to the city during his childhood, Cal carried those values with him. He began his career in dairy production and processing and turned it into a lifelong vocation spanning more than five decades. Starting in line work, he advanced through management and eventually into international scouting and plant development, becoming a trusted and respected asset in the industry.
As a leader, Cal spoke plainly and led with strength. He believed in accountability, but he was also deeply fair and invested in mentoring those who needed guidance. Being told he was a good boss—and a good man—meant more to him than any title. Late in life, he shared that such words from an employee were among the moments he treasured most.
Cal was steady, warm, and approachable—a good listener who offered support, practical advice, and quiet generosity. He was helpful as a neighbor, attentive as a friend, and deeply proud of his family and the good people his children and grandchildren became.
He also had a mischievous, playful sense of humor and enjoyed spinning a tale that would become legend. He loved convincing people of something completely absurd before finally giving himself away with a chuckle. Family stories include elaborate pranks, cologne "battles," candle sculptures created from an impromptu "candle factory" in the garage, and even convincing concerned strangers that dinner might be cat food—all in service of laughter and connection. Even in the hospital near the end of his life, he used humor to lighten the mood and bring smiles to those around him.
Cal found joy in cooking (including a much-mentioned Velveeta fudge), making ice cream, gardening, raising goats and chickens, reading spy novels, camping, bowling, and tinkering. He loved building things—among them a camper, a solar cooker, a sailboat, and a solar heater for a swimming pool. Frugal but never showy, he took pride in maintaining what he owned and took even greater care of the people he loved.
He is survived by his wife, Shuangying Lu; his children, Therese' Frothingham, Susan Dyke (Tim), John Griggs (April), and Yin Yue; his grandchildren, Alyssa, Tawny, Sasha, Bianca, Maddie, and Jake; and his great-grandchildren, Hank, Caedyn, and Maddox. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Helen Griggs, and his brothers, Melvin ("Doug") and Dean Griggs.
True to his character, Cal did not wish to have a memorial or service. His family honors his memory by carrying forward his kindness, steadiness, humor, and care for others.
When his family left the farm and moved to the city during his childhood, Cal carried those values with him. He began his career in dairy production and processing and turned it into a lifelong vocation spanning more than five decades. Starting in line work, he advanced through management and eventually into international scouting and plant development, becoming a trusted and respected asset in the industry.
As a leader, Cal spoke plainly and led with strength. He believed in accountability, but he was also deeply fair and invested in mentoring those who needed guidance. Being told he was a good boss—and a good man—meant more to him than any title. Late in life, he shared that such words from an employee were among the moments he treasured most.
Cal was steady, warm, and approachable—a good listener who offered support, practical advice, and quiet generosity. He was helpful as a neighbor, attentive as a friend, and deeply proud of his family and the good people his children and grandchildren became.
He also had a mischievous, playful sense of humor and enjoyed spinning a tale that would become legend. He loved convincing people of something completely absurd before finally giving himself away with a chuckle. Family stories include elaborate pranks, cologne "battles," candle sculptures created from an impromptu "candle factory" in the garage, and even convincing concerned strangers that dinner might be cat food—all in service of laughter and connection. Even in the hospital near the end of his life, he used humor to lighten the mood and bring smiles to those around him.
Cal found joy in cooking (including a much-mentioned Velveeta fudge), making ice cream, gardening, raising goats and chickens, reading spy novels, camping, bowling, and tinkering. He loved building things—among them a camper, a solar cooker, a sailboat, and a solar heater for a swimming pool. Frugal but never showy, he took pride in maintaining what he owned and took even greater care of the people he loved.
He is survived by his wife, Shuangying Lu; his children, Therese' Frothingham, Susan Dyke (Tim), John Griggs (April), and Yin Yue; his grandchildren, Alyssa, Tawny, Sasha, Bianca, Maddie, and Jake; and his great-grandchildren, Hank, Caedyn, and Maddox. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Helen Griggs, and his brothers, Melvin ("Doug") and Dean Griggs.
True to his character, Cal did not wish to have a memorial or service. His family honors his memory by carrying forward his kindness, steadiness, humor, and care for others.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Calvin Jay Griggs, please visit our flower store.
Calvin Jay Griggs's Guestbook
Visits: 48
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors