Ronald Lee Griffith
Jan 8, 1940 -
Sep 12, 2025
Ronald Lee Griffith, 85, passed away on Sept. 12, 2025, in Anchorage, Alaska, surrounded by his three children: Mike, Karen and Scott. Ron was born in Colver, Pa., to Robert Clarence Griffith and Elnora Leona Empfield on Jan. 8, 1940. He led a long, fulfilling life in service to his country and the communities he lived in all across the United States. His love of nature and travel adventures was shared with his family throughout his life.
Upon graduating from Pennsylvania State University in 1961, Ron joined the U.S. Navy as a Naval Flight Officer flying F-4 Phantom jets with the VF-21 Freelancers. He was stationed in San Diego, Calif., on the USS Midway and completed several WESTPAC tours in Vietnam. While in San Diego, he also met the love of his life, Judith Olwick, who he got engaged to after only three dates!
After the Navy, Ron flew for McDonnell Aircraft in St Louis, Mo., before moving his family of five to California to serve in the Escondido Police Department. Then, heeding the call of the woods, they built their home on a 25-acre farm in North Idaho. The '80s brought the family to Alaska, where Ron worked on civil engineering projects for Alaska Land Development Services and Morrison-Knudsen in the Anchorage area and around the country managing challenging environmental engineering projects.
In retirement, Ron and Judi settled back on their North Idaho farm and hand-built their dream home. After Judi passed in 2015, Ron moved back to Alaska to be near his sons and enjoy his grandsons, Gregory and Drew.
Ron is survived by his children, Mike Griffith, Karen Griffith (Jon Papez) and Scott Griffith (Kathleen Rulison); as well as two brothers, Bruce Griffith and Phil Griffith. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Griffith; and his wife of 51 years, Judith (Olwick) Griffith.
A U.S. flag was flown on the deck of the USS Midway earlier this year in his honor. A service with military honors will be held in Anchorage, where he will be laid to rest next to Judi at the Fort Richardson National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to a hospice organization in your community. Read Ron's full obituary online at legacyalaska.com.
