Maurice L Griggs, Sr.

Maurice L. Griggs passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, May 17, 2012 at Life Care Center, after a battle with parkinsens and most recently shingles. He was 88. Graveside funeral services will be conducted at 10:00am, Monday, May 21, 2012 in Pack River Cemetery. Visitation hours will be on Sunday, May 20, 2012 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Maurice was born on September 24, 1923 to Samuel and Myrtle (Clark) Griggs in Rapid City, South Dakota, 10 minutes after his twin brother Horace. He married the love of his life of 68 years, Fayma just six weeks after they met. He enjoyed woodworking, in which he made many treasures over the years, and enjoyed reading. They lived up Upper Pack River for many years and built and helped build many houses there, moving to Ponderay in June of 1990, living there until last August when health forced a move into Life Care. He most of all loved his family and extended family. There was no doubt that you were loved. Maurice was in World War II, in which he was a sharp shooter, but mostly drove truck. He came home from the war to his wife and toddler, which he got to see born but did not get to see again for 19 months, except for pictures that Fayma sent. He worked in the mine in the silver valley, in saw mills and as a logger, but loved his own custom saw the most. For a few years sawing for ceda pine, and doing custom sawing for whoever brought in logs, in which Fayma pulled the lumber as he sawed. Ron also worked with him. He also loved making lamps and little heart treasures for his wife and family. He also made much of the furniture in their home. No home was ever finished, as he always built on. Maurice is survived by his wife of 68 years, his children, Val (Karen) Griggs, Sam (Karen) Griggs, Marilyn (Doug) Kelley, Ron Griggs, and Lori (Allan) Lemmon; grandchildren, (Val’s) Marty, Denise, Debbie, Dianna, Delores, Christina and Tracy. (Sam’s) Sabrina. (Marilyn’s) Duane and Tina. (Ron’s) Brittany, Linsey and Aaron. (Lori’s) Wes, Matt, Zach and Amber. And many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. His twin brother Horace and sister June. Many nieces and nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Walter and Art, and sisters Edna and Ethel. Along with four brothers that died at birth. Many aunts and uncles. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. We will miss his quick wit, sweet smile and the glint in his eyes. He made many friends even after going to Life Care. All the workers that came in contact with him at Life Care became his friend. All treated him so well.