Gary Lee Griffith passed away on March 14, 2026 at the age of 88 surrounded by his loved ones.
Gary was born on Aug. 19, 1937 in Portland to Glen and Valda Griffith.
He spent the beginning of his life in Ephrata, Wash. Gary grew up alongside his four siblings, Glenna Sainsbury (deceased), Jeanie Farnworth, Mike Griffith (deceased) and Doug Griffith. In high school Gary met his first love, Judy Ackley. After they were married, Gary and Judy moved to Condon where they started their family together. Gary spent most of his life in Condon, where he was a hard-working and respected member of the community. Gary lived a life built on grit, calloused hands, and determination. He had a deep love for the cowboy’s way and never backed down from a long day’s work. Before becoming a cattle rancher, he spent his early years working at Fatlands Tire in Condon. Gary’s strong work ethic, skillful hands, problem-solving mind, and free spirit made him excel in his career and in his life.
Gary is survived by his six incredible children. With his first wife, Judy, he welcomed Mark Griffith, Lisa Erland (husband Mike Erland), and Lori Semmel (husband Keith Semmel). With his second wife, Gloria, he had their daughter, Gina Erdahl (husband Scott Erdahl). From his marriage to Shawna, he had two children, Kaylee Griffith and Mitch Griffith.
Gary was a very proud grandfather to 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who will carry on his stories, strength, and work ethic. His grandchildren are Ashley, Mandy, Alec, Brittany, Brooklynn, Aaron, Danielle, Sarah, Jack, Jaxon, Rylee, Harper, Grace, and Sterling. His great-grandchildren are Maynard, Jordyn, Charlee, Etolin, and Briar.
Those who knew Gary remember him as a “ride for the brand” cowboy. He was stern, respected, and deeply loved by many people. Whether he was working hard, lending a helping hand, or just sharing stories, Gary left a lasting impression on everyone who crossed his path. From 1970 to 1980, Gary rode yearly in a seven-day cattle drive trailing 300 head from outside of Condon to Heppner on horseback. These drives were guided by another true cowboy of the time, Howard Johnson, who taught him the ways of the old West and showed Gary how it was done in the good ol’ days. Those years left Gary with a rich history, and he spoke of these memories fondly. Even after he retired from his own cattle operation, Gary continued to live the cowboy way of life, riding for local cowboys in Condon for well over a decade. Gary formed a special bond with the Campbell family. They held him in the highest regard and loved him like their own, often sharing with his family how much knowledge was under that hat. He remained a cowboy at heart until the very end. Gary rode his horse until he was almost 88 years old, his final ride, the Fourth of July parade in Condon, 2025. Gary’s legacy will live through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those whose lives he touched.
Gary’s celebration of life will be held on April 11, 2026 at 4 p.m. at the Condon Elks Lodge. Though he has ridden past the horizon, the legacy of his trail will never be forgotten. Please join us in celebrating this great man’s life. Gary was a 58-year member of the Elks Lodge in Condon.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Elks National Foundation in care of Condon Elks Lodge #1869, P.O. Box 123, Condon, Ore., 97823.
Please leave your condolence messages for the family at https://www.sweeneypaytonmortuary.com/.
Sweeney Payton Mortuary has been entrusted with the arrangements.
