Harvey Clair Griffith

Harvey Clair Griffith of Bloomington, Minnesota went to be with the Lord Wednesday, October 15th peacefully, surrounded by family. Harv was born in 1943 and had humble beginnings. He learned quickly that family and friends are of absolute importance. Being the oldest, he immediately settled into a leadership role, a role that would be a theme for his entire life. After graduating from Edison High School in Minneapolis, MN, Harv enlisted with the U.S. Navy as an electronics technician with an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Squadron, The VP-56 "Dragons." He loved flying and tracking submarines and ships all over the globe. He took incredible pride in his wings and in tuning the equipment on his plane better than anyone in the squadron. He took anyone's extra flights for cash to save money to buy a diamond ring in Italy for his girlfriend, Eileen Skogstad. He flew home and asked for her hand. After their marriage in November 1966, they ventured off to Norfolk, Virginia to start their lives together. Through thick and thin, they stood by each other's side until Eileen's passing in 2008. The 1970's were really good to the Griffiths. Harv and Eileen brought two pretty cool kids into the world, Jennifer (1971) and Jeff (1976). Harv was a dedicated and tireless father who even helped change diapers in the early years (with the help of a cigar to detract the smell). Family was everything to Harv. He helped cultivate a love for family, friends, sports, music, and hard work in his kids. He remained committed to his kids and grandkids to the very last moments of his life. He was very proud of his time as coach of the kids' softball, baseball, basketball, and football teams. He was an inspiration to every kid on those teams. Many of whom still call him "coach" to this day. Harv rarely missed a grandkids' game, concert, or any other special event. Harv had an incredible way with people. Whether at work, on the baseball/softball/basketball/football field, at home as a devoted husband, father, friend, and neighbor. He was born to lead and inspire. He once told his son, "treat everyone you encounter as though they have a sign around their neck that says, 'make me feel special'." No doubt, words to live by. Harv absolutely loved his work. His gift with people caused him to fly up the ranks in the carbide cutting tool industry. He met some of his closest friends in this business and retired as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for a world class company. In retirement he enjoyed a daily cigar (or two), working in his yard, and spending time with family and friends. He really loved the occasional trip through a car dealership parking lot for an "impulse buy" new vehicle. He wasn't afraid of a road trip in any car he had at the time (he loved cars and driving). Some of his best stories came from those road trips with his sister, Dawn, and brother, Roy, when they would go to see Lin and Penny, their brother and sister-in-law, in Florida. He also cherished frequent dinners with the entire family. He is survived by his children, Jennifer Lea (Todd), Jeffrey Griffith (Pamela), grandkids, Abigail, Benjamin, Sofia, Isabella, Alexis, Tyler, Wesley, and Lucas, sister, Dawn Asrouch, and countless sincerely loved cousins, nieces, and nephews. Harv is preceded in death by his wife, Eileen (Skogstad) Griffith, brothers, Roy Griffith, Lindley Griffith, Parents, Erma and Henry Griffith, and countless friends who were all, no doubt, waiting for him when he arrived in Heaven. Harv will be remembered for his incredible kindness, gift with words, resilience, endless drive, determination, and for his Faith. He loved Jesus and the Bible. He studied it endlessly (two versions at once) and he helped to spread that into his family. He will be dearly missed.

Tributes

Harvey Clair Griffith

May 28, 1943 - October 15, 2025

Tributes

Harvey Clair Griffith

May 28, 1943 - October 15, 2025

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