Obituary of Eugene Louis Griff

Eugene Griff of Twin Falls, Idaho—a cherished husband, dad and grandfather—passed from life to Everlasting-Life at the age of 90 to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, August 12, 2012. He was born July 12, 1922, on the Salmon Tract south of Twin Falls, to Herman and Carlotta Griff, immigrants from Italy. He graduated from Hollister High School in 1941. When Gene was 18 years of age, his father died leaving him with the responsibility of running the family farm and caring for his widowed mother, brother and sister. He married Betty Sommer in 1945 and they invested their lives creating a loving and nurturing home for their five children. Gene spent his life devoted to farming on the Salmon Tract. He had a passion for his work and continued farming well into his late 80’s. This passion for farm life influenced every family member, spanning four generations. Gene served on the Filer School Board, the PCA Board and the Salmon River Canal Company. He attended Christian Center and in later years became a member of the Twin Falls Church of the Nazarene. In 1997 Gene was critically injured by two bulls on the family farm and was not expected to survive his extensive injuries. By the grace of God and the prayers of friends and strangers, he made a full recovery and was thereafter lovingly referred to as “The Bullfighter.” The last years of his life gave him the opportunity to continue with his love of farming, but by far the greatest blessing was the remaining time he spent with his wife Betty and his family. He often commented that these were the best years of his life. Eugene is survived by his loving wife, Betty Griff and 4 children: Kathi Lecertua of Boise, Christi Pedrow (Pat) of Moscow, Ron Griff (Janie) of Twin Falls, and Cinda Woodworth (Ken) of Raft River, as well as a brother, Art Griff (Norma) of Walla Walla. A son Richard Griff (Jackie) of Meridian passed away in February. He considered some of his greatest treasures to be his 16 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren, whom he fondly referred to as his “Raindrops”—the greatest compliment a Salmon Tract farmer could bestow. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Dorothy Joslin. Dad leaves behind the rich legacy of a strong work ethic, solid family values and a quiet faith in his Lord. Mom and Dad's love and commitment to one another throughout their 67 years of marriage have served as a role model to their children and grandchildren. A viewing will be held on Friday from 4-7 p.m. at Rosenau Funeral Home, 2826 Addison Ave East. A celebration of life in his memory will be held Saturday August 18, 2012 at 11a.m. at the Twin Falls Reformed Church. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to Hospice Visions, 209 Shoup Ave W, Twin Falls, ID 83301. The family would like to express a heart-felt thank you to Cindy and Vanecia of Hospice Visions for their care and kindness provided to our father these past months, and to Carl who went far beyond his duties with his compassion and service.