WASHINGTON, UTAH - Gerald Dougal "Griff" Griffin, 84, passed away July 29, 2011 in Washington, Utah following a lengthy, valiant struggle with cancer. Griff was born May 31, 1927 in Escalante, Utah to Ernest Dougall and Mary Robbins Griffin. In his youth he lived in Escalante. He served in the U.S. Army in Korea beginning in 1945.

In 1952, he married Joan Von Pinborough and to this union was born three children. Gerald received BS and MS degrees in Entomology and Zoology from the University of Utah, and a PhD in Plant Pathology from the University of Wisconsin. He joined the Agricultural Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1956, and transferred to Logan, Utah in 1963 where he established an outstanding program in Basic and Applied Nematology. He retired in 1997 after 41 years of service. His work was published in more than 250 popular and scientific journals, and had over 90 invitations from scientific, commercial, and grower organizations. He was President of the Society of Nematologists, and is renowned throughout the world in his area of expertise.

His dear wife, Joan passed away August of 1991, leaving him with overwhelming sadness. In late 1994 he met his present wife, Mary Louise (Ross) Foster, and they were married in May of 1995. They felt fortunate to have found each other and have enjoyed the ensuing years, sharing their faith and a pleasant life together in the Logan, St. George, and Washington areas of Utah.

Gerald loved gardening and beautifying his yards with carefully selected plants and flowers. One of his greatest enjoyments was camping and fishing at Posey Lake, near Escalante, Utah. He spent countless hours fishing with his siblings come rain or shine.

The loves of his life are the Gospel of Jesus Christ, his children, and all of his many family and friends. He had a great knowledge of the scriptures and enjoyed reading gospel related books. His generosity knew no bounds. He was not a judgmental person and was not easily offended. In the last few years, as he endured his many health issues, he never complained and was deeply appreciative of the many kindnesses extended to him from his family and friends.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Mary; his three children: Michael (Mindy) Griffin, Cynthia Griffin, and Kevin (Linda) Griffin; Marys children and their spouses; and he was beloved by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by two sisters: Evelyn Heaps and Joan (Ted) Murdock; and one brother, Harold (InaRene) Griffin. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Waldon Griffin.

A funeral service will be held Friday, August 5, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. at the Green Spring LDS Ward Chapel, 860 North Fairway Drive, Washington, Utah. Visitation will take place Thursday, August 4, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Boulevard, St. George, Utah, and on Friday, August 5, 2011 from 10:30 a.m to 11:45 a.m. at the Green Spring LDS Ward. Interment will be Saturday, August 6, 2011at 2:00 p.m. at the Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, Utah. Arrangements entrusted to Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.