White River Junction, VT – William Michael "Mike" Griffis, 81, died Monday, March 14, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.

Mike was born February 1, 1941, in Fort Worth, TX, a son of William Thomas and Mary Frances (Tyson) Griffis. Mike grew up in Fort Worth and graduated from Haltom High School in 1959. He started his career in the US Air Force as an air police. One of his favorite places he was stationed was the RAF Upper Heyford, Oxfordshire, England, fondly regarded as the "Little Haystack on the Hill '' or "Upper Haystack". This is where he met the love of his life, Dawn Eileen Alsford. They were married in Bodicote, Oxfordshire, July 7, 1962.

They moved to the United States as orders came in and Mike took great pride in being a member of the Strategic Air Command. Later he specialized and maintained the bombing and navigations system on B-52. He was honorably discharged in 1972. Over the years he worked as an electrician and as a carpenter. They moved to many places across the US and in 1977 to White River Junction as a position opened in the local Veterans Affairs Hospital for Dawn to practice as a Nurse Practitioner. Mike served on the Hartford Board of Selectmen for three years during which time he served as the chairman for a year.

He enjoyed woodworking, photography, fly tying, and was a member of the Welsh American Genealogy Society having his ancestry traced to 1288 confirmed and 958 unconfirmed.  He was an avid reader of medieval history.  He enjoyed many handyman projects around the house.  He loved to cook and barbecue for his family.

Mike is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Dawn Griffis of White River Junction; two daughters and their spouses, Jane and Ken Glick of White River Junction and Penny and Jack Gramling of Hartford Village, VT; six grandchildren, Reuben (Fiance Franzi), Jason (Heather), Ruth-Ellen, Corey, Seth (Liesl), and Victoria (Austin); four great-grandchildren Aubree, Madison, Levi, Hazel and a fifth on the way.  Two brothers and their spouses, Mark and Vanessa Griffis of Fort Worth, TX, and Steve and Terry Griffis of Oregon City, OR.

A special thank you to Mike's wonderful doctors, Dr Lynn Marshall and Dr Alison Romegialli at the VA hospital, and the heartfelt care they provided him for many years.  We wish to thank the hospice caregivers through Bayada and the support they provided allowing Mike to remain at home with the love and support of his family.  Thank you to all our friends and family who supported us in thought and prayer as we spent the last days and hours together as a family!

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Upper Valley Haven: 713 Hartford Ave., White River Junction, VT 05001 or SEVCA, Attn: Annual Appeal: 91 Buck Drive, Westminster, VT 05158