Bio of Ralph Griffin

Spouse: Marily. We have 4 children: Kathleen age 20 attending Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff. Stephen age 19 serving as a ward missionary. Michael 18 graduating high school and David age 15 a freshman. My wife and I met while she was working at the poison control center at the University of Utah. I had just finished my BS degree at NM State University and moved to Salt Lake City. We married in the Salt Lake Temple and began our family. Shortly after we moved back to New Mexico. Our youngest David is in the Albuquerque Boy Choir and also plays tuba and trombone in the HS band. Mike, who is deaf, enjoys his work and especially helping with the High School softball team. He especially enjoys signing the sacrament prayers on Sunday. Stephen enjoys going out with the missionaries and teaching part member families. Kathleen is in school attempting to become a special ed teacher.

Callings: I have served as a Sunday School President, Ward Clerk, SS teacher, Elders Quorum instructor and Primary teacher. My wife has taught Gospel Doctrine, Sunday School and is currently the cannery specialist for our Ward. Education: BS in Agronomy from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces. Guys, I was already a Junior in college when I went on my mission! Work: I have been a Financial Advisor for 20 years beginning at a small Dallas firm of Eppler Guerin and Turner and after a series of buyouts, work for Wachovia Securities here in Albuquerque. Hobbies include gardening and fishing. Work takes up much of the time, especially the last three years as Elder Lacey can attest too.

Comps: Charles Harrison, Dennis Chapman, Brian Stone, Jerry Spangler, Kirk Nicholls, Gerald Shelley, Lee Bradshaw, Eric Kraus. That’s what I recall. Sure I have missed some! Areas served: Managua, Tegucigalpa, San Jose and David Panama.

Memories: I remember arriving in Panama by bus at night and the missionaries forgot I was coming (Elders Shelley and Benton!!!). Walking a mile or so with all my stuff and finding a taxi stand. I asked if anyone knew where the Mormons lived. Right away they took me to a house where Brother and Sister Brooks lived. I remember fondly baptizing an American ex marine who lived in Panama. He had been taught first by a sister missionary from my hometown, sister Kartchner. Sister Kartchner is a personal friend and it was by guidance from the Spirit that my companion Elder Shelley and I were able to finish the work started so long ago.

Finally I remember what a blessing it was to serve in the Mission home for a while and learn from President and Sister Muren. Once I walked into Elder Cavanaugh's office on my knees for some reason, giving proper homage to his authority over the rest of us peons in the office. It was a great mission. How the Lord had prepared the people in those countries to receive the Gospel was truly a miracle. From the revolution in Nicaragua to my final area in David Panama, the work was easy. All we had to do was be prepared and pray for guidance. The Lord truly performed a marvelous work. Not to mention, as I read some of these bios, how he has continued to bless us all. I used to say that when I left on my mission I spoke like a New Mexican and when I came home I spoke like an Old Mexican!!