David Joseph Griffin

I met David and Carmen about 8 years ago on their visit to the Michigan State University SW Research Farm as part of Dave's quest to develop a better peach.

With that meeting and numerous phone calls and emails since then I came to appreciate his probing mind and desire to know. I learned a lot from him.

There should be a hardy peach from Minnesota named Griffin in his honor and memory.

Dave taught me how to graft fruit trees. His big plump fingers adeptly made successful bud grafts in a few seconds -- an impossibly short time -- and made me seem like a bumbling ninny. Now, all those trees, and the delectable fruit their bear each new year, are a lasting legacy to Dave.

I was a senior co-captain of the 1965 national championship football team and only recently learned of Dave's sudden and unexpected death. You have my sympathies on your great loss. I have not seen Dave much since college, but I can say without reservation that he was a terrific player, a soft spoken performer, and a wonderful teammate. He was not just a member of the '65 team but an essential player and a budding leader. It seems as though he had a lot to live for, which is more the tragedy...

Leah Eberley Dougherty

Dave was liked and respected by all his H.S. classmates and teammates. Even more so respected by those who had to face him across the line of scrimmage. An example of his wry wit and quiet humor was the "lucky" unwashed game day t-shirt that he wore that brought all kinds of comments. Godspeed friend. My condolences to all that loved him.

David and all the Griffins were special, caring and fun people who made Benson a special place to live. Our deepest sympathy to you all. Paul and Jan Kittelson

Hugs and deepest sympathy to Carmen and all of Dave's family and friends. A real, live 'Renaissance man', grounded in the great green earth, belly laugh always at the ready, curiosity engaged and eager to find the diamonds in the rough among us, What a gift to have called him friend!

chel

All of our sympathy to the family and friends of Dave who will miss him so much.