Charles (Chuck) R. Griffin

Charles (Chuck) R. Griffin passed away on August 6, 2023.

Chuck was born March 5, 1943 to Ned and Wanda Griffin. He grew up in downtown Anchorage in his folks Knik Arms Apts at 6 & L. The Griffins began their legacy in Alaska when Chuck’s grandmother ventured to Anchorage in 1918. She has the distinction of being locked in a vault during the first bank robbery in Anchorage. Chuck was known for his quick wit and honesty. He always had a cunning remark to make and could take as good as he gave!

Chuck attended West High School, then moved to Palmer in his senior year and graduated in 1961. Soon after, he enlisted in the Army reserves and moved to California. After boot camp he settled in Pleasant Hill, CA and attended Diablo Valley College while holding a full-time job. He received his Associate Degree in 1967. During this time he met and married his wife, Penny, on August 5, 1967.

In 1968, Chuck and Penny moved to San Jose so Chuck could attend San Jose State and complete his college education. He graduated with Honors in 1970. He went to work for Arthur Young & Company until deciding to move back to Palmer Alaska. In Jan, 1972 he bought a bookkeeping firm in Palmer, got his Alaska CPA License and went to work for himself. Penny joined Chuck in the business until they retired in 2014. During his time in Palmer he immersed himself in many organizations:

Greater Palmer Chamber of Commerce, 1973-lifetime member, Director and Treasurer for seven years. Received the Outstanding Chamber Member Award in 1985 and the distinguished Pioneer Award in 1991.

Alaska Rural Rehabilitation Corp (ARRC) Board of Directors, 1996-2015.

Alaska State Fair member, 1976-life, Director 1980-1998, served as President, Secretary and Treasurer during the 18-year span.

Matanuska Telephone Association, Director 1993-1995, President 1994-1995.

Alaska State Board of Accountancy, appointed by Governor Steve Cowper in 1990 and reappointed by Governor Walter J. Hickel in 1993-1997, Board Chair 1991-1997, and Proctor for CPA exams 1990-1997.

Alaska Society of Certified Public Accountants 1979-1990, served as President, Secretary and Treasurer throughout the years.

National Bank of Alaska, Palmer Branch, Advisory Board for 8 years.

Matanuska Valley Little League Umpire, 1973-1976.

Palmer Elks Lodge No.1842, 1973-life member.

Palmer Moose Lodge No. 793, 1973-life member.

One of Chuck’s true loves was baseball and he was a big supporter of the Mat-Su Miners baseball team. He was involved with the team from the beginning in 1976 when they were known as the Valley Green Giants before becoming the Mat-Su Miners in 1980. He served on the board and as an advisor and historian to the team for many, many years.

Chuck is survived by his wife, Penny, his sister Marie (Tim) Trueblood, 2 nephews, 1 niece and 8 great nieces and nephews. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents Wanda and Ned Griffin, sister Katherine Griffin and brother Mark Griffin.