Griffin, Rick A. 'Griff'

Rick A. “Griff” Griffin, 54, of North Liberty, lifelong resident of the Iowa City area, died Thursday, May 12, 2011, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City after a courageous battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 17, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Rick was born Aug. 8, 1956, in Iowa City, the son of Earl and Phyllis (Kleopfer) Griffin. He attended schools in Iowa City, graduating from City High School in 1975 and the University of Iowa in 1980, with a degree in business. For over 20 years now he has worked in customer service for Hawkeye Foods. He has also coached many young people over the years in the football and wrestling programs at City High, West High, South East Junior High and Lone Tree schools.

If you knew Rick, and there were few who didn't, he loved sports; a more avid Hawkeye fan, Cubs fan, and Chicago Bears fan would be hard to find. He was a fierce competitor, towering over many, but those who knew him well knew this man was just a gentle giant. In his wrestling days, after he finished pinning you, he was the first to offer his hand to help you up off the mat! But even more important than any sport was his family, he loved being in love with Patty; his girls were more than just the twinkle in his eye, they were his world, and just last month he became a grandfather, a true gift to this man.

His family includes his longtime love, Patty Graves; two daughters, Kelsey Rae Griffin of Phoenix and Kayla Mae Griffin of Coralville; granddaughter, Laila Mae; his former wife and mother of their children, Marcia Griffin of Coralville; siblings, Phyllis L. Patterson (Michael) of Iowa City and Gary Griffin (Rhonda) of New London, Iowa; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and last but not least, his faithful friend, Gracie!

Rick was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his memory.

Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web at