William "Bill" Kent Griffiths

William “Bill” Kent Griffiths passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on March 13, 2023. Bill was born in Milford, Utah on March 3, 1938. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Margaret Lynne (Pettey). He is survived by his three daughters Margo (Jim) Christensen of Millville, Holli (David) Kirkman of North Logan, and Jayne (Bill) Olney of Gilbert, Arizona. Bill was a proud grandfather to eight grandsons and one granddaughter. He was a loving great grandfather of 15.

Bill was raised on a farm in Milford, Utah and learned the importance of hard work at a young age. He participated and excelled in many sports, student government and other activities. During high school, he met and fell in love with his future wife, Lynne as she visited Milford to see her brother (who also happened to be Bill’s high school coach!). Bill attended Utah State University and then after marrying Lynne, he began his career in the retail industry. The family lived in Ogden during their early years, where they enjoyed close family and friends. They settled eventually in Tempe, Arizona where the girls were raised and new friends were made. Bill always enjoyed experiencing new things and meeting new people. This farm boy from southern Utah traveled the world for work. As a sporting goods buyer and retail executive, he especially loved spending time in New York City, Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong.

Bill’s true passion in life was horses and the great outdoors. He was a proud member of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse for many years. He and Margaret retired to the northeast mountains of Arizona and lived the “ranch” life he always dreamed of. Many a grandchild’s dream of fishing and horseriding and exploring occurred on that acreage. Bill was always willing and able to fix things and lend a helping hand to others. His giant garage/ shop in the mountains was a testament to that passion. He volunteered many hours at the LDS Church ranch in Navajo County, AZ. He helped many boy scouts and local school teams with projects as he taught hard work and shared his love of the outdoors. In his later years, he moved back to Cache Valley, Utah to bring Lynne close to her family before she passed away in 2013. Bill will be missed for his quiet honesty, his example of service, and his stories of “the good ol’ days”.

At his request, no formal services will be held. Bill would want anyone thinking of him to donate to your local 4H, help a neighbor, hug your family, or simply go for a ride up a local canyon and enjoy the beauty of nature. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, March 21 at 12:30pm at the Milford City Cemetery. He will be interred with his wife and many family and friends there in Milford. Condolences can be expressed through Nelson Funeral Home. www.nelsonfuneralhome.com