Paul Rich Griffin

Paul Rich Griffin passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on February 27, 2024, surrounded by his family. Right up until his final hours, he was enjoying the passions of his life: watching operas, listening to chamber music, doing crosswords puzzles, and talking baseball with anyone who stopped by.

Paul was born on March 17, 1933, at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City to Charles McNeil Griffin, Sr., and "Polly" (Viriginia Louise Rich) Griffin. He graduated from East High School in 1951. During his senior year, he won the state tennis doubles championship with partner Steve Matheson. Throughout much of his adult life, he would continue getting together to play tennis with his friends from East. He served in the United States Army and was stationed in Italy and Austria from 1953-55. He majored in music at the University of Utah and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1959.

Paul loved music in many different forms throughout his nine decades and passed on his love of music to his children and grandchildren. Up until the final months of his life, he played the piano daily. He will be remembered for playing duets with his wife, forming family bands for holiday celebrations, and playing chamber music with friends. He played an important role in building the Chamber Music Society of Salt Lake City, serving for 35 years as treasurer of the organization. He also loved opera, and had the good fortune of being able to visit many of the great opera halls in the United States and Europe.

He was an avid sports fan, and his sons have fond childhood memories of him taking them to University of Utah football and basketball games, or going to the Salt Palace to cheer for the Utah Stars and Salt Lake Golden Eagles. He loved baseball, and his family looked forward every fall to his "Griffin Family Baseball Drawing" event in advance of the Major League Baseball playoffs. It is a tradition they will proudly carry on in his honor.

He married Janet Finlayson on June 16, 1962, and is survived by her and their three sons, Geoff (Kathleen), Paul Andrew (Mary), and Robert (his wife Jamie preceded Paul in death), as well as his five grandchildren, Alexandria (Erin), Dylan, Madeline (Kaden), Evan, and Jamie. He was preceded in death by his brother Charles M. Griffin, Jr., and his sister Jayne Griffin Middleton.

The family wishes to thank the many wonderful people at Visiting Angels and Inspiration Home Health and Hospice who helped him through his final days.

Paul will be buried at West Jordan Cemetery. A public visitation will be held on Friday, March 1, from 7-9 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S., Salt Lake City. In lieu of flowers, the family requests remembering Paul by donating in his name to the Chamber Music Society of Salt Lake City at cmsofslc.org.