Roland Everett Griffis, age 90, passed away peacefully at Lake Forest Hospital on July 14, 2006, with his wife and daughters at his side. Rolly, as he was known by his friends, was born on August, 24, 1915, in Lake Forest. He was a kind and generous person who approached life with a light heart. After serving his country in the Navy during WWII as a Chief Warrant Officer, Rolly returned to Lake Forest and spent his entire career providing building and carpentry services through the family business, Griffis Brothers, and later through his own business. He served the City of Lake Forest on it’s Construction Codes Commission from 1980-1983. His maternal greatgrandfather, Thomas Atteridge, began farming his land in what is now Lake Forest 24 years before Lake Forest became a city. The farm was located at the western end of what is now named Atteridge Road. Rolly loved hockey, sailing and hunting with his friends and his springer spaniels. Roland is survived by his wife of 59 years, Bette; daughters, Linda and Gayle; brother, James; sister, Lois Kahler; and many nieces and nephews. This warmhearted and happy man, who brought much joy to his many friends and family, will be dearly missed. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest on Saturday, July 22, 2006, at 10 a.m., followed by a reception at the church and an interment service at Lake Forest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Roland’s name to the charity of your choice would be appreciated. For information, call the Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest at 847-234-6250.
