Buford Eugene Griffin, age 83, of Ismay, passed away peacefully Thursday, August 6th 2015, surrounded by his family.
Buford was born on March 13, 1932 in Ismay, Montana. He was the third child of Robert and Katherine (Cummings) Griffin. Buford was raised in the Foundation community where he attended school through the 8th grade. At age 9, Buford began to spend his summers working for neighboring ranches. He started high school in Miles City, but chose to leave school after two weeks when his dream of becoming a rancher overtook his will to sit in the classroom. Despite not having a formal education, Buford’s knowledge, wisdom, and common sense grew throughout the rest of his life.
At the age of 14, he went to work on several ranches in Eastern Montana and Western North Dakota. In 1947, Buford met the love of his life in a barn while they were both employed at the Gilman Ranch. He and Phyllis Ann Phalen were married January 7, 1951. After they were wed, the Griffins moved to Whitney Creek. His dream began coming true in 1955 when the opportunity to purchase half of the ranch they were working on was presented. Buford and Phyllis started their family in 1953 with the birth of their first son, Bill, followed by Tom in 1955 and Don in 1961. The family worked hard and eventually bought the other half of the ranch. The Whitney Creek Community was, and continued to be, a beloved part of Buford’s life. In 1967, the Griffin family purchased a ranch on the Powder River where Buford continued to stay active in the day to day ranching activities up until his death.
Buford was a progressive but practical rancher, always seeking to improve the efficiency of his operation and quality of his cattle. He had great determination and was able to see the possibility of irrigation. Through trial and error, along with his sons, Buford perfected the art of irrigating on Powder River. He loved working alongside his sons and granddaughters, teaching them the value of hard work.
Buford was active in the community. He was a member of Montana Stockgrowers Association, Montana Farm Bureau, and the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder. He also served as a director for the Federal Land Bank, US Bank, and Range Riders Museum, as well as a trustee for local school boards and the Custer County Cemetery Board. He was honored, along with his family, in 2003 by the Miles City Area Chamber of Commerce with the Ag Family of the Year Award.
Buford was a hardworking man known for his honesty and integrity. Buford took great pride in his family. In his own words, “Phyllis, the best thing we did was our family. It’s just wonderful.”
Buford is survived by his wife of 64 years, Phyllis; sons Bill (Ronda) of Ismay, Tom (Cindy) of Laurel, Don (Pam) of Ismay; sisters, Maxine May, Ona Lee Willson; granddaughters Ciara Griffin (John Budge), Nicole (Ryan) Rolf, Amy (Chad) Hodgson, Brooke (Brooks) Kmetz, Jenna Griffin, Callie Griffin; great-grandchildren Avery, Payton, and Dane, along with numerous nieces and nephews. Buford is preceded in death by parents Robert and Katherine Griffin, brother Jimmy Griffin, brothers-in-law Ed Willson and Jack May, and sister-in-law Gerry McKeen.
Family will receive friends on Monday, August 10, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Stevenson and Son’s Funeral Home in Miles City. A funeral service will be held on August 11, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Miles City. Interment will follow at the Knowlton Cemetery. Should friends desire memorials can be made to the Knowlton Cemetery, First Presbyterian Church of Miles City or the Range Riders Museum. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Monday August 10, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday August 11, 2015
First Presbyterian Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Monday August 10, 2015
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
10:00 a.m.
Tuesday August 11, 2015
First Presbyterian Church
Miles City, Montana 59301
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John and Nikki Brown says
Dear Phyllis, Bill, Tom, Don and families,
Our sincere sympathies. Buford was such a dear.
A great husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend.
We will miss him.
Sincerely,
John and Nikki
Shirley Rolf says
sorry for the loss of a great guy.
Cindy and Bruce Ingraham says
Bruce and I are so sorry for your loss. Prayers to you all
Joe & Cathi Peila says
We are so sorry for your loss. Love, thoughts and prayers to all the family. He leaves a wonderful legacy and he will be missed by so many.
Mike and Tracy Hauk says
Phyllis and family,
Huge hugs to you and your family on the loss of Buford. You are in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless.
Doug Damm says
Dear Phyllis, Bill, Don & Tom
I am so sorry to hear of Buford’s passing. He was a real cowboy gentlemen. Heaven is getting filled up with “men” that are impossible to replace. I am so sorry for yor loss. Doug & LuAnn Damm
GARY AND PAT HELM says
PHYLISS AND FAMILY
OUR PRAYERS ARE GOING OUT TO YOU AT THIS TIME OF SORROW. WE HAVE LOST A GREAT GUY AND FREIND. MAY GOD WRAP HIS ARMS AROUND YOU AND GIVE YOU PEACE. GOD BLESS FROM THE HELM FAMILY
Richard & Linda Meidinger says
So sorry for you loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May he rest in peace.
Linda & RIchard
Linda and Mike Niedge says
Dear Griffin Family,
I was so sad to see that you have lost your dear husband/father/grandfather. I enjoyed a visit with him at the infusion center at Holy Rosary just last week. I happened to see Mr. and Mrs. Griffin at the clinic many times over the last few years when our appointments would coincide, and have considered my visits with Mrs. Griffin to be a such a blessing in my life! Mike and I send our condolences and I will be keeping you all in my heart and prayers during this sad time.
God bless you! Linda
june opp says
Dear Phyllis and family We are so sorry to hear of your loving husband and father,s passing. May God bless and comfort you all during this difficult time and in the days ahead.
God bless you all
June and Ruben Opp
Maryjo Barnard says
Phyllis and family, my prayers are with you all. I’m honored to have had the opportunity to know Buford.
Pinky and Ella Mae Pelletier says
We are so sad to hear of Bufords passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Pinky And Ella Mae Pelletier
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
So sorry to hear of your loss. What a very nice man.
Pam & Karl Rogge says
Our prayers and condolences to the entire Griffin family. Buford was a true gentleman and will be missed by many.
God Bless,
Pam and Karl
Chris Jensen Kukowski says
Phyllis my heart breaks for you. I know you just lost the love of your life and your best friend. You are in my prayers pretty lady.
James L. Arneson says
I am sorry to hear of the loss of Buford, may God keep you close during this time of sorrow.
Julie and Tyler Cook says
Phyllis and family,
We are sorry for your loss. Buford was a great man. Our prayers are with you.
Dannette and Craig Cremer says
So sorry for your loss. May you keep his memories close to your hearts. You are in our prayers.
Jason and Kathy Heinemann says
So sorry for your loss. We are praying for the whole family during this difficult time.
Dale & Cindy Berg says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Buford was such a nice man and he has left a great legacy and will be missed by many. Keep his memories close to your hearts. He loved you all so much.
MNarvin & Sharon Gookin says
Can’t you just see the reunion that Buford, Bud, Eddie & Teddy are having about now? Our sincere sympathy. Your family is in our prayers and thoughts. He was a wonderful friend and will be missed.
Karl Drga says
Phyllis and all,
Sorry for the loss of Buford. We will have you all in our thoughts and prayers. I have many fond memories of Buford throughout the years and especially getting to work with your entire family over two summers, what a great guy and role model for all!
Sherry Oster says
To Buford’s family;
I am so sorry for your loss. I have very fond memories of your dad and mom growing up. Buford always welcomed us and taught us much about 4-H. Going to their home and floating the Powder River were some of my favorite memories. Know I am praying for you all.
Rodenbaugh Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Buford was a great man and an example for all of us to follow. He will be missed.
Vicky & Fred Anderson says
Phyllis and family –
Words cannot express the sadness we felt when learning of Buford’s passing. He was a wonderful man and we feel so fortunate that we had the opportunity to know him. May memories of good times shared bring you comfort in days ahead. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Blessings to you all.
Alana (Brown) Bryan says
Dearest Griffin Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. So many wonderful memories of Buford while growing up in the “Whitney Creek” community. He was truly a wonderful man, and I am glad that I had the opportunity to know him.
Deb Bartholomew says
Phyllis and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Always remember “When A Loved One Becomes A Memory That Memory Becomes A Treasure”. Buford will always be a Treasure in your hearts and never forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Wes and Mary Burley says
Phyllis, Bill, Tom , Donny and Families,
Our condolences on the passing of Buford. It was an honor to have known such a great person and he will truly be missed by all who knew him. May God embrace you all during this difficult time and may you find solace in knowing that you will always have his memories which are precious to each and everyone of you.
Susanne (Mentikov) Galbraith says
Sorry for your loss. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Peggy Redman and Earl Mortensen says
To Buford’s family,
Earl joins me in sending heartfelt condolences to you in Buford’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. The world has lost a wonderful man, and a caring heart. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and several communities. May warm memories help soften your sorrow, and may faith help you face each tomorrow.
Dale and Ann Tribby says
To Buford’s Family;
Our sympathies to you all. We are saddened to hear of Buford’s passing. Not a finer gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Warren Mary and Jimmy Willson says
Phyllis and family
Buford was a great man and set a wonderful example for all of us to follow, our deepest sympathies to all of you. We will see you soon.
Clara jo says
Sorry for loss . May all the wonderful memories fill your hearts and days . God Bless
Troy and Dolly Ferris says
Dear Phyllis and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We were blessed to have had a chance to know Buford. It was always a pleasure to see him and have the chance to visit. Buford will truly be missed.
With Love,
Troy and Dolly
Charlie and Carmen Cavill and family says
Our whole family has many great memories of Buford, I especially enjoyed riding at foundation with him and hearing stories of his youth.His determination,work ethic and family values have been and will continue to be a great example for us. Charlie
Jack and Clare says
We are so sorry to hear of Bufords passing. Our sympathy and prayers are with you all. Jack and Clare Doran
Mike Bissell says
Bill and Ronda and family I am so sorry for the loss of your father. My thoughts are with you and your family, I hope your many memories help you through the loss.
Mike Bissell
Mary Phalen says
Phyllis and Family,
I was so sorry to hear the news from my dad today. Our hearts go out to you and I wish we could be there to offer help, support and join with you to remember a humble but great man. I am grateful that my husband Martin and our little son Emmett could spend some time with both of you, two years ago.
Buford will be remembered as a gentle, quiet, loving and wise man. My grandfather Nig respected him, and I always loved to be around both of you as a child, and I still do now as an adult. Thank you for sharing more of his earlier life story with us with his obituary.
I thought of Buford a few days ago as I was checking on my garden corn–I am growing blue corn this year with heirloom seed and it is doing well. I remembered him wanting to take us for a drive to show us his thriving corn. I remember looking over at him and being aware that this man knew this crop like I would never know corn. It was such a beautiful sight to him and he joyfully shared that iwth us.
Blessings to your family. You will be in our thoughts and prayers,
Mary Phalen & Martin Nelson, & Emmett
Ron and Ann Roberts says
So very sorry. We’ll always remember Buford, he was just the nicest person. May the
memories you are blessed with help you during difficult times. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Brad and Lola Sigvaldsen says
So sorry to hear about Buford. It has been a long time since we have been in that neck of the woods but we always enjoyed our time with the Griffins. You folks always made us feel like a part of the community family! With fond memories and heartfelt sympathies our prayers go out to all of Buford’s family. Brad and Lola Sigvaldsen
Don and Leanne Lee and family says
Phyllis and family,
Sorry to hear about Bufords passing. Buford was a true friend, it was
our pleasure to have known him.
Don and Leanne Lee
Dave & Helen Baldwin says
Phyllis & Family,
Growing up close,and going to Phyllis & Bufords’ for coffee, Koolaid and cookies after school was always a treat.We always had fun,till we got into trouble for playing too hard. Don’t ever remember getting into trouble for working too hard though! I remember a fair, thoughtful, gentle, and wise man. Our prayers are with all of you. ” I will test them as gold is tested. They shall call upon my name,and I will hear them.” (Zech 13:9)
Milesw City Saddlery says
Phyllis and family,
So sorry for your loss. Buford will be missed. So many have wonderful memories of Buford. You are all in many thoughts.
June & Pete Minow says
Phyllis and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We will remember Buford as a very nice man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rick & Dee Abbott says
Phyllis & family:
Please accept our sincere condolences on Buford’s passing. We will always remember Buford fondly ~ he was such a humble gentleman. You and your entire family are in our prayers.