Winston Edwin Griffith, affectionately known as “Griff,” was born on Jan. 13, 1937, and passed away peacefully at his home in Chehalis, Washington, on Oct. 4, 2024, at 87. Originally from Marked Tree, Arkansas, Winston's journey led him westward in 1955.
He began his career in Twin Falls, Idaho, eventually working for Nichols Drilling Company from 1955 to 1965. As a diamond core driller, Winston contributed to significant projects including the Rocky Reach Dam, John Day Dam, Hells Canyon Dam, Boundary Dam and Dworshak Dam.
In 1959, Winston enlisted in the Air National Guard of Idaho and served in the Air Force Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1965, achieving the rank of staff sergeant in the 124th Camron.
After relocating his family to Washington, Winston dedicated over 40 years to the Centralia Coal Mine (TransAlta), where he served as a senior welder fabricator until his retirement. He often remarked, “It was a great place to work. We bought homes, raised families. It was everything you dreamed of when you were bumming around.”
In addition to his career, Winston raised his family on their working cattle farm, which was tragically lost in the December 2007 flood. Known for his creativity and resourcefulness, he found unique solutions to challenges at work, on the farm and at home. An avid guitar player, Winston loved to share music with his family, often singing “Make The World Go Away.”
Winston is survived by his beloved wife, Sally Jo Griffith (Boyle); his sons, Bret Griffith (Maelynn) and Mark Griffith (Geri); and his daughters, Kimberly Bradeen (Larry) and Stacie Bennett (Brian). He also leaves behind eight cherished grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Winston is survived by his siblings Delmar Griffith of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and Helen Norris of Harrisburg, Arkansas.
Winston loved his family dearly and will be profoundly missed.
