Thomas Griffith

Thomas Allen Griffith - Kimberly
On Sunday, March 17, 2013, Thomas Allen Griffith, 67, completed his journey here on earth. He was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) on September 17, 2012 and lost his battle surrounded by his family at his home in Twin Falls.
Thomas was born on February 2, 1946 to James and Mary Griffith at the US Naval hospital in Bremerton, Washington. After his parents military service ended, they relocated to the family farm south of Twin Falls. During the next few years he was joined with two brothers and two sisters, Jim, Kathy, Karen and Peter. At a very early age, it became evident that Tom was going to always be a very busy boy. He loved to care for, train, and show his farm animals and he was a great help around the farm, taking great pride in a job well done. He was very active in FFA and 4-H. His greatest pleasure was the camaraderie and service to others, while learning as much as he could about his chosen field. He graduated from Twin Falls High School in 1964 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Nutrition from the University of Idaho.
In 1964 he met and dated Myrna Kinghorn. They continued their educations together at the U of I, marrying on July 23, 1966. Their 47 years of marriage was filled with a great deal of love, mutual respect and support of each other's personal and professional endeavors.
They were blessed with three wonderful children, Kristy, Tim and Kim. He had a special relationship with his kids and supported them in all of their activities and interests. He taught them to work hard, be honest and caring and to laugh.
Thomas found his true calling and passion in life when he started his trucking business, T.A. Griffith Transportation. His work took him to so many places across the country. His life was enriched by the places he visited, the customers he served and the relationships he developed with each and every friend he met along the way. To Thomas, this wasn't a job. He truly loved his business and customers. He no longer went to work but was on vacation 365 days of the year.
His greatest joy was his grandchildren - Tyler, Kelsey, Braden, Hunter, Hailee, Cortni and Houston. He loved spending time with them, teaching them new things - some of which weren't always good! And he loved teasing them and they loved teasing him right back. He enjoyed taking them trucking and showing them new things. He was so very proud of them and was always supportive from spelling bees and sports to mutton busting at the fair.
Thomas leaves a wonderful legacy and extremely big shoes to fill because of his wonderful character. He was honest, compassionate, caring and he always worried about the other guy.
Thomas was preceded in death by a daughter, Lori Ann; his parents Jim and Mary, grandparents and a special uncle, Bob Griffith.
He is survived by his wife, Myrna Griffith of Twin Falls; children, Kristy (Wes) Stanaway of Eagle; Tim Griffith of Twin Falls; and Kim (Todd) Ostrom of Eagle; seven grandchildren, Tyler and Kelsey Stanaway, Braden and Cortni Griffith and Hunter, Hailee and Houston Ostrom; two sisters, Karen (Andy Bopp) Griffith, Kathy (Rob) Richter; two brothers, Jim (Cecilie) Griffith and Peter (Lisa) Griffith; many nephews, nieces and extended family.
We would like to thank Dr. Ippolito and his staff, Alliance Health and Hospice, and Carmen, Joy and Jeff from Elks Rehabilitation Services at St. Luke's Magic Valley. A special thanks to all of Thomas's wonderful friends that regularly visited him at home.
Upon his death, Thomas had two requests - to be cremated and his ashes scattered in his favorite place and to host a joyous celebration with family and friends.
We invite friends and family to celebrate Thomas's life at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 30th at the Twin Falls Livestock Commission Company, 630 Railroad Ave, Twin Falls.