Cary LaVerne Griffith

We are so sorry for your loss, you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Sending hugs to all of you. ❤️❤️

Cary came to Nashua the same year we came to Riceville. Our Girls’ Basketball Teams had many spirited battles when he coached. We have fond memories of the conversations we had throughout the years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Rest in peace, my friend.

Memories to last a lifetime. I still remember his first day at Nashua High School. We were all in the big study hall room across from Mr Koobs office when Mr. Griffith came up those loud, creaking stairs. Of course we all turned to see this really sharp guy, complete with those bright red polyester pants, his trade mark white belt and shoes and red and a white patterned shirt with perfect hair. The Griffith look with all of us staring at him. His expression would become one to either love or dread. Having the privilege of being his basketball manager and sometime babysitter for Andie and Travis. I learned much and because of him came to love scoring basketball. Griff was an engaging teacher and coach and became a dear friend over the years. Because of him I became the Utah High School State Boys Basketball Tournament Book Official for over 25 years. Privileged to be chosen for boys basketball book official at University of Rhode Island. Officials always asked – who taught you to do the book, you are the best we’ve ever met. I always told them about Griff and the four color pen and precision he demanded. What an honor to help with his care in these last years. I adored the Griff look, his chuckle and his humor. Sitting with him we would relive bulldog days and players and students and memorable times. Griff became a special coach to my grandson, Noah, who formed a special bond with Cary. They shared a birthday. Noah loved to visit Cary at Bartels and took his coach visits and job seriously. They would sit and visit and do Carys paperwork as only an 8 year old could with the wisdom of a man. He loved coach and gently reminded me that even though his brain was broken, he was a coach and someone special. It’s a strange sadness and happiness. Sad to no longer experience his presence but so happy knowing his wonderful mind is well and whole in heaven. God most likely has him reffing ball games, coaching and reconnecting with past classmates and friends and family. I will never hold a four color pen without thinking of him. I will never watch an Iowa Girls Basketball tournament without thinking of him and the trips we took to watch real girls BB, 6 on 6. I will never stop thinking of all the lives he touched in so many ways. He made a difference and will continue to live through the legacy he started in Iowa and with his children and grandchildren and students and their families and parents and the coaches and athletes and educators he impacted. Continue to share your stories of Griff. I know I will and for that I am grateful. Godspeed Cary Griffith.

Great teammate. Great man and leader.

Dear Family. I am so sorry for your loss. He was a gem and a treasured colleague. May his memory live on in reflection of your lives. Take Care

So sorry to hear about Cary. He was great to work with and for. Sincere sympathy for Kris and the whole family. Wayne and Ellen Zwart

So sorry to hear of Coach Griffith’s passing. I have thought of him often over the years. I had him as a coach at OM and remember how he brought softball back to our school. I will never forget watching him get the forgotten diamond back into shape by dragging around old bed springs.
He’s resting in peace now. Prayers to the family.

Mr. Griffith was a great teacher. My senior year I had him for 3 classes. We would always joke around how we were getting tired of seeing each other.
Then when he came to bartels I got to visit with him again. Always enjoyed the smile I would get when I would meet him in the hallway and I would say Hi Mr. Griffith or occasionally we would do a fist bump.

When I operated the scoreboard & clock for New Hampton High School basketball games many years ago, I enjoyed working with Cary as the referee for the event. He was always professional and friendly to the staff at the scoring table.

My sympathy to all of you.

Condolences to Kris, Andi, Travis and the entire family.
Griff was a wonderful teacher, mentor and coach. Most importantly Griff was an all around first-class, caring and honest person.
Rest in peace Griff!

Sorry to hear of his passing.

I was very sorry and sad to hear about Coach Griffiths passing. I was lucky to have 2 great baseball coaches at Nashua, and he was one of them. Later in life I became a High School Baseball Coach for Fredericksburg and Sumner-Fredericksburg Schools, and Coach umpired some of our games and even though we talked before, during and after the games, he was professional always. He will be missed, and I am sending prayers and wishing the best to his family. Rest in Peace Coach.

I am heartbroken to learn of Cary’s passing. He was a terrific friend and role model and was such an important person in motivating me to be in athletics. I made my first basket at the Griffith’s backyard hoop with Cary teaching me the proper way to shoot. I was in fourth grade, and he was a senior. My family spent a lot of time with the Griffith’s going to watch Cary play sports in both high school and at Tarkio and vacationing in Canada. After I graduated from college, I tried coaching for a few years. The very first sophomore basketball game I coached for Ames High; Cary was the referee! Imagine the opposing coach’s expression when, upon seeing him, I ran across the gym floor and hugged the ref! Cary was an All-American person throughout his life. I am so happy he and Kris found each other. I will miss him but have no doubt he will be in the front pew in Heaven. My sympathies to Kris and their children.

Dear Kris and family, we were so sad to see this obituary and photo of your “oh, so handsome Cary”. We lived across the street on Park Avenue in Waverly from Randy and Jana (We still live there!). We remember when you and Cary were dating, and then married to create your “Griffith Bunch”. We hope you enjoyed your many years together and that you are comforted by knowing many are thinking of you at this time.