William John Griffith, 81

September 23, 2023

William John Griffith, 81, passed away after a long battle with cancer on September 23, 2023.

Born in 1942 in Sydney, Australia to William Joshua and Rosanna Griffith, John leaves his beloved wife Anne Griffith, of Willow Valley, after 6 joy-filled years together.

John is predeceased by his first wife, Rhonda Griffith. They were married for 47 years and leave behind two daughters and their families.

John greeted everyone he met with a quick smile and genuine curiosity. He loved to laugh, share meals with friends, and travel whenever possible. He cared deeply for those fortunate enough to know him and prayed faithfully over his children and grandchildren.

The early part of John’s career was as a civil engineer (including working with Civil & Civic on the construction of the Sydney Opera House) and in strategy consulting with McKinsey & Co. In 1974 he and Rhonda immigrated to the United States to start what would ultimately be a 22 year career with the World Bank and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency. He traveled widely as an economist and finance officer, delivering aid to farming communities in developing countries. In retirement he worked in governance with non-profit research organizations around the globe developing more nutritious and disease-resistant staple crops to protect against famine in the world’s poorest populations.

But what mattered most to him was his role as husband, father and grandfather and his commitment to follow Jesus and bring glory to his Heavenly Father. He will be sorely missed for the way he made each person in his life feel special, for his encouraging words, his quick wit and his considerate nature, all of which endured to the very end.

Memorial contributions in John’s name may be made to Hospice & Community Care.