Gregory Bruce Griffin

Greg was born on Nov. 15,1950, in Salamanca, N.Y. He was raised in Conewango Valley and attended Pine Valley High School, where he started his first band, TransLove Airlines, at the age of 15, playing school dances and after high school basketball games. He had the lead in his senior play, Our Town, and graduated as valedictorian in 1968.

Greg went on to form the Shaker Band with three of his four younger brothers where he began writing and performing his own music. The Shaker Band would lead him to his soulmate and wife of 48 years when she joined the band on vocals. They took the band on the road to Santa Cruz, Calif., where they later welcomed their first-born son.

In the years that followed, the young family traveled between California, Tennessee, where much of Greg’s family had settled, and New York, where they welcomed their daughter three years later. Shortly after, the family of four settled into their home on a deadend street in Versailles, where Greg and his wife still reside.

Greg’s passion for music persisted throughout his life. He formed many bands over the years including Crazy Hand, The Griffin Brothers Band, and the Daily Planet and spent much of his free time tinkering on guitars. Greg supplemented his music career as a carpenter, with his expertise ranging from repairs to new builds. He was a prolific reader of science fiction and enjoyed listening and collecting vinyl.

Greg was most known for his character. To quote a friend, Greg was “always kind, never selfish, and more intelligent than most.” He demonstrated respect for everyone he met and always put others first. He was a generous and good man. He guided and protected his family with an unconditional love that was lost too soon.

Greg was predeceased by his mother, Beverly Griffin; brother, Scott (surviving wife, Gladys); and nephews: Cody and Aaron Griffin.

He is survived by his treasured wife, Marjorie; father Eldred “Slim” (wife, Judy); children: Harmony (wife, Allison) and Pearl (partner, Adam); grandchildren: Aj, Arlee, and Miles, and faithful companion Ruby; as well as younger brothers: Jeff (wife, Beth), Mark (wife, Kristen), and Matt (wife, Patti); and sister, Lori Griffin. He will also be deeply missed by in-laws: Jody Shaw and Don Clark, Judy and Carl Forbes, Amanda “Amy” (Ty Wheeler) Hilliker, and Adrian “Grundy” Westlund III; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

We will say goodbye to Greg on Monday, Jan. 3, 2022 at 4 p.m., at the Versailles Methodist Church.

All are welcome. Masks are required.

Arrangements are under the direction of Mentley Funeral Home Inc., 105 East Main St. in Gowanda.