Henry Claude Griffin

Henry Claude Griffin, 87, of Black Mountain, NC, passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2024.  Born February 14, 1937 in Greenville, SC, he was the son of the late Arthur Gwynn Griffin and Christa Wilson Griffin.  He graduated from the Hill School and Davidson College, and received his PhD in Chemistry from the Massachusetts Institution of Technology.  Thereafter, he was a research associate at Argonne National Laboratory.  In 1964, he joined the faculty of the University of Michigan, and was a Professor of Chemistry there until 2005 when he was named professor emeritus.  Professor Griffin’s work focused on nuclear chemistry and physics.  A devoted educator, he taught undergraduate physical and general chemistry courses and graduate level nuclear chemistry courses.  He was especially interested in teaching innovations in the large, lower-level general chemistry classes, where he pioneered the use of computers and other innovative techniques for acquiring data.  He authored and co-authored over 100 publications during his career. 

Henry married Barbara Jean Pierson in 1960, and they enjoyed many adventures together over their 64 years of marriage.  Henry loved to travel, especially with their group of friends affectionately called “the Gallivanters.” Always a gracious host, he particularly enjoyed sharing his love and knowledge of wine with friends and aficionados alike.  He was an avid tennis player, and fierce competitor on and off the court. 

Henry’s research work also allowed for two year-long sabbaticals, first to the Swiss Federal Institute for Reactor Research in 1971; and then Lawrence Livermore Laboratory in 1978.  While in Switzerland, Henry climbed the Swiss Alps, which was the beginning of his lifelong love of mountain climbing.  He later climbed Chimborazo and Cotopaxi, volcanoes in Equador; as well as some of the highest peaks in Western US and the White Mountains in New Hampshire.  That he and his wife ultimately retired to the Blue Ridge Mountains was no surprise. 

Although a true scientist, Henry was also a man of deep faith.  He was a loyal member and contributor to the First Baptist Church of Ann Arbor, MI, serving as Treasurer, Sunday School Teacher, Choir Member and discussion group leader.  After retiring to Black Mountain, NC, he joined Black Mountain Presbyterian Church.  Henry always valued service to others, and he got great joy visiting with his “clients” when delivering meals for Meals on Wheels. 

Henry was incredibly proud of his two daughters, but he particularly reveled in the accomplishments of his grandchildren. 

In the last few years, Henry had his challenges, having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.  This was a particularly cruel set of diagnoses for someone who was so strong mentally and physically; but he kept an amazingly positive outlook and a sweet demeanor until the end.  He died peacefully at the Healthcare Center of Givens Highland Farms, having been lovingly cared for by his wife and their two daughters.   

In addition to his parents, Henry was preceded in death by his brothers, Arthur Gwynn Griffin, Jr, Marion Griffin, and Morris Griffin.  Surviving are his spouse of 64 years, Barbara Pierson Griffin; daughter, Gwen Van Ark and her husband, Jonathan, of Carrboro, NC; daughter, Lyle Griffin Warshauer and her husband, Michael, of Atlanta, GA; grandchildren, Daniel Van Ark, Erin Pierson Woodruff and Abigail Warshauer; step-grandchildren, Sarah Beth Brown (Adam); Noah Warshauer (Hether); Claire Andersson (Erik); and great-grandchildren, Alice and Joseph Brown. 

The family thanks Henry’s caregiver, Victoria Brown, for her many years of devoted attention.  Donations in Henry’s memory can be made to The SECU Center for Memory Care, 100 Far Horizons Lane, Asheville, NC 28803; https://memorycare.org/supporting-memorycare/ways-to-give/#Donate_Online

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 10, 2024, at 2:00 pm in the Assembly Room at Givens Highland Farms. A reception will follow the service.  

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