Walter E. Griffin
March 9, 1924 – December 29, 2020
Age 96, of St. Louis Park, passed away December 29 of COVID . Child of Walter Chapman Griffin and Helen Rostron Griffin, he was preceded in death by his sister, Marilyn, and survived by brother, Robert. He is also survived by his wife of 72 years, Carol, sons David (Margie Hogan) & Charles (Shirley Furiuchi), grandchildren Erin (Vincenzo Falcone), Leif (Monica Ugwi). Neil (Emily Sage), Ilse (Cuong Pham) and 3 great granddaughters, Lia, Rose and Liv. Born and raised in St. Paul, Walter graduated from Monroe High School and served in the army in WWII, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. Upon his return, he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a BSEE, where he met Carol. He subsequently became a lifer Honeywell working in quality control for 40 years. Engaged in projects such as the Apollo Command module, a highlight of his career was meeting the crew members of Apollo 1. A dedicated Humanist and humanitarian, Walter was a firm believer in social justice and bettering the community. He served on the Boards of the First Unitarian Society, spearheading the financing of their pipe organ, the University of Minnesota Institute of Technology and the United Way. After retirement, Walter organized tutoring programs for students of the Minneapolis School system. Important to Walter and Carol has been the advance of international understanding. They travelled the world to learn about different cultures. And, they hosted many of the first Chinese physicians who came to the University of Minnesota medical schools for study. In their later years, Walter and Carol became devoted and beloved golddiggers- fans of the lady Gopher volleyball team. Foremost in Walter’s mind has been his family. He delighted in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and was so proud and interested in all of their achievements and experiences. We will celebrate his life and legacy in the coming year and would ask that memorials be directed to Second Harvest Heartland or the charity of your choice. (Published in the Star Tribune on January 3, 2021)