Michael "Mike" Henry Griggs

Michael “Mike” Henry Griggs, 74, of Canon City, Colorado, passed away surrounded by family on March 29, 2022. He was born on January 14, 1948, in La Junta, Colorado to William and Doris Griggs.

Mike worked as the general manager for KFC for over 40 years before deciding to pursue a different career. He then became a Deputy Sheriff for the Canon City Justice System before retiring in 2012. Though he always worked hard to take care of his family, it was only a small part of who he was in life. Mike was first and foremost a devoted husband to his wife Carolyn, but he also excelled at being the best father he could be to his children. He was also known for his love of animals, but most of all he loved cats and had many feline children throughout his life.

Mike loved nature and was always at peace when hiking through the mountains or fly fishing in lakes and streams. During these many outings to the mountains, he would share his “dad wisdom” with anyone who was with him and was always willing to teach others the fine art of flipping a fly line or tracking an animal through the woods. He had a gift for talking and was able to hold a conversation with anyone that he met and enjoyed sharing his various “dad jokes” with everyone.  Outside of his love for his family and nature, Mike enjoyed watching western movies and was a fan of classic country music, including Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, and Waylon Jennings. Other hobbies throughout the years included camping, archery, woodworking, inventing tools to help around the house, and working in his yard. Mike also got involved in martial arts and earned a blackbelt.

Mike was loved by all who met him, and though he will be greatly missed, he wanted his passing to be full of joy and not sorrow, for he knew he was going to enter Heaven and be reunited with his wife. His love for his family, his wisdom, his jokes, and his legacy will live on because of the impact he made on others in his life.

Mike leaves behind his children, Andy, Lynzee (Aaron), and Grant; his five grand-kitties, Arabella, Rumpelstiltskin, Zoso, Simba, and Myles. He is also survived by his brothers, Paul (Bonnie) and Mark (Juanita) Griggs; sister, Donna Wayt; as well as many nieces and nephews. Known as being a father to many other people in his life, Mike furthermore leaves behind many honorary children including, “that Mona” (Jose); honorary grandchildren, Felicia, Monique, Johnny, and Mason; and his extended camping/fishing family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William and Doris Griggs, and his cherished wife, Carolyn Griggs.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 22, 2022, at Wilson Funeral Home in Canon City. A graveside service will follow at Mountain Vale Memorial Park, also in Canon City.

To honor Mike and his outdoor style, feel free to join the family by dressing in flannel shirts.  Nothing fancy or formal is needed, just put on what you would wear if you were going out fishing with Mike. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating online to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

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