The world lost a legend yesterday, and I am honored to have called him my friend. In his more than 98 years, Dick Griffith logged adventures that most of us couldn’t fathom undertaking. He was among the first to raft the Grand Canyon, he skied/traversed from western Alaska to eastern Canada and helped introduce the sport of packrafting to Alaska. He finished the Alaska Wilderness Classic 17 times, the last was in 2008 at 80 years old. He also completed the Crow Pass Crossing several times, a grueling 23-mile running race that includes ascending & descending a mountain pass and crossing a glacial river. Rather than arranging a ride at the other end, he would immediately turn around and go back to the start to get his car.
I knew Dick through his involvement and decades of support for the Eagle River Nature Center. He always appreciated a cigar when I returned from a trip to Cuba, and one of my bear photos is proudly displayed in his home. He loved that photo and was happy to offer a nice endorsement for my book, “Seasons of the Nature Center.” His story and the many ventures he undertook are truly fascinating and inspiring. I highly recommend his biography, “Canyons and Ice – The Wilderness Travels of Dick Griffith” and there is a PBS documentary of the same title. His biographer, Kaylene Johnson-Sullivan, also wrote the foreword for my book.
Fare thee well, sir. Thank you for being a source of inspiration and lighting the way for those who have tried to follow in your adventurous spirit.
PS - Dick is currently a candidate for the Alaska Sports Hall of Fame. You can see all the candidates and cast your votes here: https://alaskasportshall.org/
Dick Griffith on his 90th birthday in 2017.
Dick Griffith outside his home on his 90th birthday in 2017.
Dick's favorite bear photo.
Dick's endorsement on page 9 of my book, "Seasons of the Nature Center - A Photographic Journey of Seasonal Transitions at the Eagle River Nature Center."