Garry Griffin

Garry Joseph Griffin, age 67, passed suddenly on Sunday, February 12th, 2017, at his mountain home in Bailey, Colorado. He was born September 3rd, 1949, in Oak Park, IL, to parents John J. Griffin and Rita T. {nee Young} Griffin. He was raised in Hillside, IL, where he attended St. Domitilla School and St. Joseph H.S. in Westchester IL. He then attended school at the Art Institute of Chicago. It was during this time that he was encouraged to create an entry into a Wine Art Competition sponsored by Foremost Liquor stores in Chicagoland but only had a day to produce it. He finished it the morning of the judging day.The picture of a sleepy-eyed Garry standing on stage next to an easel holding the painting with the first place blue ribbon and prize money was always a source of pride and amusement to the family. The painting of fruit together with a chianti wine bottle and a colorful cloth texture backround was described by judges as a 'deceptively simple water color still life as an example of youthful vigor and a sharp eye for clarity of detail'. A print of the painting was on the front of all the Foremost calendars the following year. Garry then went on to the American Academy of Art where he achieved a high ranking status for his art work and watercolor paintings. After graduation Garry moved to Pheonix, AZ in 1974, then to Colorado a year later. He worked numerous jobs while pursuing his passion for nature, art and music. He savored the wonder, beauty and serenity of nature and a life of freedom in the Rocky Mountains with his beloved bloodhounds. He enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle and hiking to photograph his subjects. With his exceptional talent and skills, Garry was able to achieve his dream when he established Griffin's Wildside Studio in his adopted home town of Bailey CO., where he created well-received, in-demand, watercolor paintings. He also produced multiple music CDs, playing drums, guitar and, singing with friends and neighbors. At an athletic six foot six inches tall, Garry was a gentle giant of a man who inspired others with his work and thoughtful, caring, helpful, generous nature. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him and remembered as the unique and extraordinary individual he was. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his brothers Terrence, Lawrence, Gerald and sister-in-law Elizabeth (Lawrence), proud uncle to nine nieces and nephews plus twenty-five great nieces and nephews. Donations can be made in Garry's name to the Wildlife Conservation Society.