Tom Russel Griffis

Tom R. Griffis (The Texan), 67, of Astoria Oregon, passed away on June 17, 2013, peacefully in his sleep.

Tom was born in Houston, Texas, Montgomery County, on August 19, 1945. He went to high School in Channelview, Texas, finishing school in 1963, and shortly thereafter went into the Coast Guard and was stationed in Astoria, Oregon. In Astoria, Tom met Judy Leppla and they were married on August 1, 1964. Tom and Judy celebrated the birth of their first Daughter Trisha on April 21, 1965, and then the birth of there second daughter Tamara on September 4, 1968. In 1967, Tom was honorably discharged from the Coast Guard. Tom and Judy settled in a small area of Astoria called Lewis and Clark in 1972, where they raised their family.

Tom worked as a diesel mechanic for Crown Zellerbach from 1973 to 1985. When Crown shut down in 1985, he went to work for Bergerson Construction as a Diesel Mechanic for 3 years. Tom then went to work for Nygaard Logging, where he retired in November of 2007.

Tom is survived by his wife, Judy Griffis, and his daughters and sons-in-law Trisha and Jon Scarborough, Tamara Griffis and Charlie Kelly; three grandchildren Brianna Scarborough, Jacob and Savannah Kelly of Astoria, Oregon; his brother Donald Griffis and wife Beverly Griffis; 2 sisters Millie and Roxanne Griffis; nephew Darren Griffis of Conroe, Texas; godson Terry Jones of Knappa, Oregon; his in-laws Evelyn and Chris Causley of Astoria, Oregon, Eve and Jim Sixberry of Clio, Michigan, Margaret Hemmingson of Seattle, Washington; and many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family and close friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his Father and Mother Horace and Irene Griffis, Brother Archie Streator, Nephew Walter Ryan Griffis of Conroe, Texas; Father and Mother-in-law Robert and Dorothy Leppla and brother in-law Robert Leppla Jr. of Astoria, Oregon; and Godsons Larry and Gary Jones of Warrenton, Oregon.

For many years when the logging gates up on Crown Zellerbach at the time were left open, Tom enjoyed taking his family to the 4th bridge and camping almost every weekend regardless of weather in the summer. Once his first Grandchild was born he started a new camp site in Jewell, Oregon, where he spent many years with family and friends camping and building fond memories. He enjoyed the outdoors a great deal, especially hunting with his family and friends and fishing off the Olney Bridge in Clatsop County, Oregon. Every Wednesday and Saturday Tom made his rounds going to the Olney Store purchasing his lottery tickets and visiting the locals.

There will be a celebration of Tom’s life on August 3, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. at his home, located at 90577 Pernu Road, Astoria, Oregon. There will be a small commencement by Sam Hess at 3:30 where people will also be able to share in stories of Tom’s life.

Donations can be made to St. Jude Medical Center, American Cancer Society, and The Diabetes Association.