Eddie Paul “Buzz” Griffin was surrounded by his family and dog when he passed away peacefully at his home in Hailey, Idaho, on Feb. 20, 2014. He was 76 years young and had courageously fought a year-long battle with brain cancer.
Buzz was born on June 20, 1937, in Dallas, Texas, to parents Hazel Pauline Christie and Robert Edgar Griffin of Frisco, Texas.
Buzz joined the Navy in 1954 and worked as a radio operator on aircraft carriers. In 1958, he enrolled at North Texas State University where he re-met his childhood playmate, Agusta Lou “Gus” Newman, of Rockdale, Texas, whom he married on Aug. 23, 1959.
Buzz worked for IBM, Savin, Coldwell Banker and the Koll Co., where he was a partner and president of financial services until he retired at 55.
Buzz pursued many of his passions and never did anything half-way. He was a runner and completed two marathons. He went to auctioneer school and auctioneered for many charity events. He learned Spanish by living in Mexico for two years. He became a pilot, owning several small planes. He went to law school and also to University of Texas at Tyler where he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Business Administration. He earned his CPA certification and enjoyed working at Elias Construction with his son-in-law, Adam Elias. An avid golfer, he was known and admired for his long elegant drives on the golf course. He even went to barista school and looked forward to making lattés and mochas for his grandkids on weekend mornings.
In 2005, Buzz and Gus moved to Hailey, Idaho, to be closer to their daughters, son-in-law and seven grandchildren.
He will be remembered for his enthusiasm for life and his charming, witty and inquisitive personality. He was always upbeat and positive even in the face of hardship. Generous and always full of practical advice, “let me know if I can do anything to help” and “I’m here if you need me” are things he would often say. Known as “Pappy” to his grandkids, he enjoyed their company and took great pride in their achievements. In turn, he was a great inspiration and role model for them.
Buzz is survived by his best friend and wife of 54 years, Agusta Lou (Newman) Griffin of Hailey, Idaho; his daughters Cassi Griffin and Cami Griffin Elias (Adam) of Hailey, Idaho; son John Griffin (Susan) of Sydney, Australia; and eight grandchildren: Emmi Griffin, Harry Griffin, Joe Griffin, Henry Elias, Audrey Elias, Owen Elias, Walter Elias, all of Hailey, Idaho, and Finnian Griffin of Sydney, Australia; and, brothers Robert “Bob” Griffin (Thelma) of Frisco, Texas, and David Griffin (Shirley) of Dallas, Texas.
“He was our rock, our light, and his passing leaves a giant hole in our lives.”
As per his wishes, there will be no memorial service, but the family hopes you will go to www.woodriverchapel.com/book-of-memories to share condolences, stories, photos and memories. Condolences may also be sent to 241 W. Walnut St., Hailey, ID 83333. Buzz was a great dog lover and towards the end of his life talked often of adopting another dog from the shelter. To that end, donations may be made in his memory to the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley, PO Box 1496, Hailey, ID, 83333 (www.animalshelterwrv.org).
