With great regret, I must inform the group of the passing of Tom Griffin on Wednesday MAY 8, 2018. As some of you know, Tom had been fighting cancer, in several forms for close to ten years. Despite all of his efforts and those of one of the best Oncologists in Houston, last year, the cancer spread to his bone marrow. Tom never complained, never gave up and I can tell you, that I would never have survived half of what he went through, he showed me what true courage really is. Many of the Texas boy's will remember him from some of our big bore shoots, others will remember him for his exquisite, hand machined from bar stock, Fraser rifle actions of which I believe he had made approximately 200 through the years. Tom was the son of a real Texas Wildcatter and grew up on rigs. He worked for many of the big players in the industry and contributed much to design improvements on Blow-out Preventers. He was an offshore Rig Manager in just about every part of the world oil was drilled for and was known as a tough task-master who could get the job done. He worked for Global Marine for several years and was in charge of the hydraulic system that was engineered for the Glomar Explorer to raise the Russian nuclear sub K-129 in 1974, he said that seeing part of the sub brought up into the "moon pool" was an experience he would never forget. The last few years, Tom decided to take up engraving, and between bouts of chemo and short remissions, he became quite accomplished and if he had had his health, I am sure many more people would have learned his name. Irrascible, tough, determined and accomplished, he was my good friend and I admired him greatly. Tom hunted in Africa, primarily in Namibia, many times and had many trophies to show for it. He really loved Africa.
As even Tough guys need a hand every once in a while, I will ask all to remember Tom in their prayers tonite. We really lost a good one.
Tom Griffin
4/27/1941- 5/8/2018
The long battle is over, Rest in peace.

Condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.

RIP Tom

Nice words Lee440. A life well lived.

Condolences to his family and his friends.

I didn't know him, but he obviously made his mark with you, which is testament to a life well lived to have such respectful friends. Prayer sent.

Very sorry to hear this.

Condolences to his family and friends.

Sorry to hear of his passing.

Very sorry to hear this.

Very sorry for your loss. Sounds like he accomplished a lot in his life!

So sorry to hear. RIP

Sad news. Condolences to all who knew Tom.

Tough deal

Very sorry to hear this. Condolences to his family.

Condolences to all his family and friends.

Hear hear to a life well lived. RIP Tom. Prayers to the family.

God Bless you Tom, what a interesting life, you make me proud to be a Texan. RIP

We can only hope that we touch someone's life that well. Condolences and prayers.

It sounds like he lived a very full and accomplished life. Cancer, especially for so long, is terrible but it sounds like even with that, he truly lived. Condolences to his family.

RIP Tom! He fought a good fight, but may now rest without pain!

I didn't know Tom, but like has already been said, the quality of his friends says a lot about his character.

Sorry for the grief felt by his friends and family. Texas is saddened by his passing.

....................................................................

Sorry to hear this. Tom did some gunsmithing work for me on several occasions when he had the space in the industrial park on 34th street. Two things I remember about Tom in addition to his pleasant demeanor. One, those cheap Walgreens cigars that he smoked. Two, he may have been the last person I knew to own one of the customized minivans. He was a nice guy. Glad his suffering is over.

My condolences to his family and friends.

Interesting how the world connects us, I dated a girl in high school who's Father worked on the Glomar Explorer during Project Azorian in 1974.

Prayers for his family and friends !

Life is so precious!!!

Condolences to his family and friends.

Best regards, D. Nelson

Condolences to his family and friends.

Wonderful eulogy, lee440. My sympathy and condolences to friends and family.

Sorry to hear this Lee, my condolences to his family and friends.

RIP Tom. I wish there were more men like you in this world.

Lee, Tom was a one of a kind. Moving tribute to him. Bob

RIP Tom, my condolences to your family.

My most sincere condolences .
Dr.Juan Pablo Pozzi Zurbriggen

RIP Tom, gods speed and condolences to the family.

.

Sounds like he lived it to the full. Condolences.

.

We all need to know and be associated with more good men like this.

I might have crossed paths with him in the oil fields or offshore. But certainly his work.

May he R.I.P Condolences to his family and friends.