Mr. Griffith was born in Portland, Oregon on February 2, 1896 to an Oregon Pioneer family. As a young man, he worked in construction for his Dad’s company, W. R. Griffith and Sons. The company built commercial buildings and schools. His family acquired Riverview Abbey Mausoleum Company in 1932. Willard designed and built the majority of the corridors at Riverview Abbey. His innovative techniques of mausoleum construction are used through the United States.

During World War II, Willard worked in the Portland shipyards to help the war effort. He later became President of Riverview Abbey, a position he held for decades.

Mr. Griffith was a member of the Auld Lange Society, Masonic Lodge, Shriners and Multnomah Athletic Club.

Funeral was held Wednesday, April 2, 1980 at 11:30am in the Chapel of Riverview Abbey Funeral Home, a building he had designed and constructed.

Mr. Griffith was preceded in death by a daughter, Mary Alice, his Father, William, his Mother, Mattie, and his brothers, Roy and Herbert.

Facts

Born: February 2, 1896
Death: March 31, 1980