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William Leonard Griffith, a resident of Albuquerque since 1961, went home to be with the Lord on New Year's Eve. Leonard was born in Loleta, CA July 1, 1923. His wife of 56 years, Violet, preceded him in death. After graduating from Fortuna Union High School, he attended Business College and was employed by Pacific Lumber of Scotia, CA, across the river from his hometown of Rio Dell. He was then drafted into the Army Air Force (later being known as the United States Air Force) during WWII and made that his career for 21 years. He had many assignments around the world including a B-29 Flight Scheduler on the Island of Guam and later serving in the Korean Conflict. When he left the Air Force he went to work for the United States Postal Service and retired after 21 years of faithful service in the Albuquerque area, holding many job positions in both the clerk and maintenance crafts. "Bill" was a dedicated Union member, serving many elected positions in the American Postal Workers Union, Local 380. He served on the committee to negotiate the first contract between clerks and management in Albuquerque. After retirement, Leonard and Violet were active members of the NM chapter of the WBCCI Airstream Caravan Club, both serving in many capacities and traveling extensively. Leonard tended his garden of flowers and vegetables when he was at home. Leonard attended Chelwood Park Foursquare Church for over forty years and served in every area where he was needed including bookkeeper, council member, usher, and deacon. He is survived by his son, Bill Griffith, Jr.; daughter, Shirley Griffith, both of Albuquerque; granddaughter, Janice (Bob) Rogers of Arkansas; grandson, Jason (Jeanette) Ferree of TX, grandson, Michael Ferree of Albuquerque; great-grandchildren, Rebecca and Alex Ferree of TX; sisters and brothers, Irene (Jack) Eacker, Alice Thompson, Reece (Marge) Griffith, Ruby Holmes, Billie (Jim) Brown, John Griffith, David Griffith, Tom (Barb) Griffith, Vickie (Alan) Aust; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws, most residing in northern California. Preceding Leonard in death were his parents, William Lester and Alzena James Griffith; his step-mother, Elsie Caston Griffith; brothers, Lester, Raymond, and Gerald Griffith; and sisters, Margaret Webster and Betty Laustrup. Memorial Services will be held on Friday, January 4, 2007, 9:30 a.m., at French Mortuary Chapel, Wyoming Blvd. Chapel. Interment will follow at Santa Fe National Veteran's Cemetery with full military honors. French Mortuary, Inc. 7121 Wyoming Blvd. NE (505) 823-9400 www.frenchmortuary.com
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