Gover Weldon Griffin

Gover Weldon Griffin, 78, of Shelley, Idaho Passed away August 13

th

2010.

He was born May 10, 1932 in Rexburg, Idaho to Electa Jardine Griffin and Jesse Franklin Griffin. During his youth he grew up in Rexburg spending most of his time working on the family dry farm on the Rexburg Bench. He attended Madison High School where he played quarterback for the football team, ran track, sang in the boy’s choir and the High School mixed choir.  He played the tuba in the marching and pep bands.

After High School, he served in the United States Army from July 31, 1951 to July 30, 1953.  During Basic Training, he was injured and broke both arms and wrists.  His doctors told him that he would never have use of his wrists again. But he overcame those injuries and through hard work and a lot of physical therapy he had a full recovery.  He served his remaining time as a radio broadcaster.

On July 25, 1956 he married his wife of 54 years, Barbara Jean Horne of Thorton Idaho.  They moved to Shelley where he was employed by Simplot at the local potato processing plant.  While there he held many positions and saw 5 different owners and retired from Pillsbury after 39 years as the Fresh Pack Manager.

He was active in the community serving as president of the Junior Chamber of Commerce as well as the Chamber of Commerce.  He was instrumental in bringing the Grid Kid Football Program to Shelley and served as its director for several years.  He was Spud Day Chairman for 1 year, served on the Board of Directors of the Shelley Senior Citizen Center, was Director of Budget and Finance, Vice President for 1 year and President for 2 years.  He also received many service and recognition awards from the R.T. French and Pillsbury Corporations.

He enjoyed being outdoors and spent time in the winters snow skiing and summers water skiing with family and friends. In retirement, he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, playing golf with family and friends and working in his yard and garden.  He spent many hours out in his shop where he worked on many different projects which he usually gave to family as gifts.  He and his wife spent several years wintering in Phoenix and Tucson Arizona with some of his close friends. 

He is survived by his wife Barbara Griffin, 3 Sons Karl & (Debbie) Griffin of Idaho Falls, Paul & ( Angi ) Griffin of Surprise, Arizona, Kevin & ( Debbie ) Griffin of Grand Junction, Colorado and 1 Daughter Lisa & ( Dennis ) Lawrence of  Parker, Colorado.  11 Grand Children, 5 Great Grand Children, 1 Brother,  2 Sisters, and many Nieces and  Nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 3 brothers and 3 sisters.

Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Thursday August 19, 2010 at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 7:00 till 8:00 P.M. and Thursday morning 9:30 till 10:30 A. M. at Nalder Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery with military rites by David B. Bleak Post 93 of Shelley. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Shelley United Methodist Church or to Hospice of Eastern Idaho.