Selmer Forrest Griffith

("Griff") Selmer F Griffith died September 17, 2009 at his home with his family at his side. He fought a gallant battle against prostate cancer. He was born to Roy and Tressa (Skooglund) Griffith at Mountain Grove, Mo. He grew up and was educated at Lemmon, SD. After a brief tour in the Navy during WW II he returned home. Working in the VA Hospital at Fargo, ND. he found his love for health care. He returned to the Navy and began his 22 years of service as an urologist tech; earning awards for his dedication in urology, x-ray and lab. He served in Hawaii, WW II, Japan, Korean War, Okinawa, & Vietnam War aboard the Valley Forge (carrier), managing a surgical team with the Marines & Repose ( Hospital Ship) and many tours at US Naval Hospital, San Diego. He loved his years in the Navy, but equally loved his years at Wenatchee Valley Clinic in the Urology Dept. The many friends made with coworkers and patients were important to him. He especially enjoyed the greetings exchanged when they met in the community and during his many visits made to the Wenatchee Medical Center for his care. He also had his special friends in the community as he frequented his favorite businesses. His family was always his priority, whether it was supporting his daughter in her sports, being his sons "go for" during a construction job to teaching his grandchildren to garden or supplying quarters to play the games at the pizza parlor. He could always be counted on to support his grandkids in their endeavors, whether it was baseball, gymnastics, swimming, band, or ballet dancing. His favorite pass time was gardening, camping, & supporting his favorite team, the Yankees. He was always in competition with his son, Mark and long time friend, Joe with their dollar bets and jokes as to who owed the most. Payoffs involved buying lunch. He is survived by his wife Delila, son Mark, daughters Kristi Ruhl and Leora Murray, son in law Tony Ruhl, brother Norman; nephews Craig, Gary, Greg, David & Mike Griffith; nieces Pam Griffith, Theresa Griffith, & Sandi Ramsey; grandchildren Maegan & Amanda Murray, Braede, Mitchel, Hunter, & Griffey Ruhl; special great nephews Derek & Larry Griffith. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin brother Bill, brothers Lyman & D'Earl & nephew Larry Griffith. A funeral service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church, 1408 Washington St, Saturday, September 26, at 3:00. Interment at Tahoma National Cemetery, Monday September 28. Viewing at Telford's Chapel of the Valley, Friday September 25, 5:00 to 7:00 PM. Donations may be made to his favorite charities: Prostate Cancer Research, Disabled American Veterans, & VFW. Arrangements are by Telford's Chapel of the Valley. www.telfordschapel.com

Selmer Forrest Griffith

March 15, 1924 - September 17, 2009