Randy Lee Griffith

Randy Lee Griffith beloved husband, father, and grandfather unexpectedly passed away on June 22, 2019 in Gilbert, AZ. He was born on March 15, 1970 in Mesa, Arizona, the son of Gregory Aaron and Gayla Ann (Johnstun) Griffith. He attended Lindbergh Elementary, Mesa Junior High and graduated with honors from Mesa High School in 1988. Randy sang with the Superstitions, the highest choir, and played the trumpet in the marching band. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and participated in the Scouting program. After graduating high school, Randy earned his private pilot's license. He also attended trade school and graduated with an Avionic Technician degree. He proudly began his career at America West Airlines, which eventually became American Airlines. Randy loved airplanes and working on planes was his dream job! In 1998, Randy married his childhood friend, Carolina Lively, assuming the father role for her daughters, Megan and Rachel. A few years later, Emily was born. He took fatherhood seriously, often working undesired or double shifts to provide for the family. Yet, even sleep deprived, Randy always made time for the family. Together, the family created many fun memories, traveling all over the world. Randy was great with kids, and was a strong, dependable role model for the nieces and nephews. Family was important, and he willingly built a house next door to his in-laws, living on the same street as multiple family members. After his father-in-law's early death, Randy became the patriarch of Carolina's large, close-knit family. Everyone counted on Randy for advice and support in any aspect of life. To better provide for his family, Randy accepted a position working in labor relations as General Chairman of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) in the Air Transport District 142. Sadly, he had to give up the physical aspect of working on planes - but the trade-off was discovering a love of advocating for others. He enjoyed the legal aspect of the position, and used his keen intellect, strategy, and peaceful rationale to uphold and protect worker rights, and hold big corporations accountable. He oversaw American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Air Canada, and Swissport Fuels. His specialties were contract administration, union negotiations, and avionic communications. He truly had his Union Brothers and Sisters best interest at heart. Randy was witty, goofy, artistic, and knowledgeable (without about being a know-it-all.) He was stern but fair, sensible, and reasonable. Those that knew him, were able to see his soft side through his intimidating looks. His most recent pride was becoming a self-proclaimed Grumpa (grumpy Grandpa) to his first-born grandchild, Liam. Randy is survived by his father Gregory Griffith, his brothers Jerry (Linda), Terry (Sara), David (Thanh), and his sister Melody. He leaves his wife Carolina Lively Griffith, his three daughters, Megan Camille Blackburn (Joshua Alan Blackburn), Rachel Hannah Williams (Blaiklen Anthony Marx), Emily Tacy Lively Griffith, and his grandson William Dwayne Blackburn