John Michael "Mike" Griffin 1937-2015

John Michael "Mike" Griffin, a resident of Denton for 49 years who found pleasure in the simple beauty of nature and art, died on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015. He was 78.
Mike had the soul of an artist and for years expressed his love through paintings and photographs. He marveled over a sunset over the ocean, a field of sunflowers, the calm of a favorite fishing hole and the laughter of a baby.
He was known for his clever sense of humor and kept those around him laughing. A kid at heart, he enjoyed playing with his children and later his grandchildren, often getting on the floor to play at their level in ways many adults won't.
He moved to Denton in 1966, working to live, rather than living to work. His jobs included 16 years at Braniff International Airlines and another 16 years with the city of Denton. He preferred the down time -– hanging out with family, listening to jazz, blues, rock n' roll and reggae, playing an intense game of Scrabble or rooting for his beloved Dallas Mavericks.
Born in Portland, Oregon, on Jan. 14, 1937, Mike grew up in Oregon and Minnesota, graduating from Cretin High School in St. Paul in 1955. While in the U.S. Army from 1960-1962, he was based in San Francisco. He is preceded in death by his parents John Paul and Mildred (Hartwig) Griffin and is survived by his sisters Jacqueline Griffin of St. Croix, USVI; Darlene Conway of Inver Grove Heights, Minn.; brother David Griffin of Mound, Minnesota; daughters Laura Griffin of South Orange, N.J.; Amy Griffin of Delmar, N.Y.; and Emily Galyon of Denton, Texas; sons-in-law Alan Goldstein, Danny Goodwin and Patrick Galyon; grandchildren Mia and Max Goldstein; Ella and Anna Goodwin; and Reyna and Bodie Galyon; former wife and longtime friend Linda Hardy; and nine nieces and nephews.
Private service will be held on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2015. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Pacific Whale Foundation or the American Cancer Society.