Brian D. Griffith

Brian D. Griffith, 58, Cook, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Friday, June 2, 2017, at  Essentia Health-St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth.

He was born on August 20, 1958, at Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Donald and LaVon (Busey) Griffith.  He grew up in Waterloo where he graduated from high school in 1976.  He married Karen L. Adams on August 2, 1980 in St. Louis, Missouri.   The couple moved to Cook in 1983 where they raised their family and have since resided.   He worked for Potlatch in Cook in the late 1980's , then completed schooling to be an architectural draftsman and designer.  He designed the Forestry Building in Cook, and

many lake homes, along with other projects. After the real estate market slowed, he opened and owned Northland Pets in Cook, a job he loved.  He was a well liked and dedicated employee of Fortune Bay Resort and Casino for 15 years, working his way up to manger on duty.  Brian could always bring a smile to a room and was kind and respectful to everyone. His most treasured times were those spent with family, especially with his cherished grand daughter, Kassie Ray.  He was adept at making fine walking sticks and canes.   He will be greatly missed by those who had the chance to know him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Don and LaVon Griffith.

Brian is survived by his wife of 36 years, Karen; 2 sons, Ryan (Krystal Vines) Griffith  and Aaron Griffith, both of Cook; 4 brothers, Donnie Griffith of Waterloo, IA, Patrick (Tammy) Griffith of Waterloo, IA, Michael (Felicia) Griffith of Shreveport, LA,  and David Griffith of Wappapello, MO; 2 sisters, Debbie Griffith of Wappapello, MO and Cathy (Jim) Jensen of Waterloo, IA;  1 grand daughter, Kassie Ray; his mother-in-law, Ruby D. Adams of Cook; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

SERVICES: A gathering time to celebrate Brian's life will be from noon to 3 pm Tuesday, June 6 ^th at the Cook VFW.  In lieu of flowers, memorials directed to the family will be used in his memory.  Arrangements are with Mlaker Funeral Home in Cook.