Harry Griffith

Harry Griffith

Harry L. Griffith, born January 5, 1935, died peacefully at his winter home in Ann Arbor Friday, December 1.

A resident of Mackinac Island since 1989, Mr. Griffith, along with his wife, Nicki, spent many winters and summer months at their cottage in Hubbard's Annex. He loved the peace and tranquility of the woodland paths and advocated for the preservation of natural areas and open space.

He was born in Detroit and was graduated from Wayne State University with a bachelor's degree in business administration. He received his Juris Doctor degree from Cleveland-Marshall Law School and practiced law in Ravenna, Ohio, until his retirement in 1990. He was admitted to practice before both the Supreme Court of Ohio and the Supreme Court of the United States.

While a resident of Ohio, Mr. Griffith was a two-term mayor of the city of Aurora and served on many local boards and foundations. He was also active in fundraising for various community organizations, including the Cancer Society, United Way, and Kiwanis. Professional affiliations include the American Bar Association, Ohio Bar Association, Portage County Bar Association, and Association of Trial Lawyers of America.

On Mackinac Island, Mr. Griffith had been a member of the Planning Commission, Wawashkamo Restoration and Preservation, the Yacht Club and was involved in the movement to prohibit the airport expansion.

He is survived by his wife Nicki; two daughters and their familes, Rhysa and Robert South IV and their daughter, Alexandra, of Midlothian, Virginia, and Carrie Griffith and her children, Christina, James, and Bryan of Murray, Kentucky, and by two brothers and their families, Darrell of Farmington and Douglas of Houston, Texas.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Samuel and May Griffith, and his older brother, Roger.

A private graveside service will be held in the spring at the Mackinac Island Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Nature Conservancy.