It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Mike Griffin, who departed this life on July 5th in the comfort of his home after a courageous battle with cancer. He was beloved by many and will be dearly missed.
Born on April 21st, 1950, in North Carolina, Michael was the son of Helen Coggin and Ivan Bruce Griffin. He graduated from Warwick High School and after serving four years in the United States Airforce he returned home to Newport News where he spent over 30 years with the City of Newport News before retiring as an Architectural Field Engineer. Mike, also known as “Griff,” loved to hunt and was known for his determination and dedication, as well as his ability to fix anything. He would spend days researching how to fix something and spend the same amount of money on parts before he would ever pay someone else to do it. He also loved to impart his wisdom and teach, such as teaching his kids and grandkids how to hunt and fish, and how to do things the right way, not half way.
Mike will be remembered for fierceness, strong values, pride in his family and unconditional love.
He is survived by his children, Candice Miller (and spouse Michael Miller) and Danielle Griffin, his dedicated and cherished partner of 17 years Marcelina Emery, his sister Donna Wilkins, and his grandchildren Tyler and Braden Davitt, Rhianna, Gabriel and Charlotte Pena, and Mason and Grant Miller. He is preceded in death by his wife Meeliah Griffin and his parents Helen Coggin and I.B. Griffin.
A graveside service will be held on July 10th at 11am, at Peninsula Memorial Park. All who knew him are welcome to attend and celebrate his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cancer Society in his memory.
2 Comments
Rest Peacefully with Meeliah Mike
Having just learned of Mike’s passing, I regret not having been able to attend his service. As Building Services Administrator for Newport News from 2004-2016, I was a recipient of a great deal of Mike’s imparted knowledge. I was also fortunate to be able to continue to work with his crew after Mike’s retirement. There are very few with his innate intelligence and phenomenal recall. He will always be remembered fondly.