Nathaniel “Big Nate” Griffin Jr.
Nathaniel Griffin Jr., a longtime Portland resident, transitioned into peaceful rest Dec. 16, 2018.
Nathaniel, known by many as “Big Nate,” provided years in service as a United States Marine Corpsman during the Korean War; as a Portland Police Officer during the 1960s and 1970s; and as a security patrol officer with the Kaiser Foundation.
Nate was known for this love of cars and was a proud owner of a classic silver Corvette. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Leslie; children Nikki, Nate and Yaphet; grandchildren; and other family members and friends. Nate’s memorial services will be held Friday, May 3 at 11 a.m. the Willamette National Cemetery, 11800 S.E. Mt. Scott Blvd., with a final farewell celebration to be held Saturday, May 4 at 2 p.m. at the Billy Webb Elks Lodge, 6 N.Tillamook St.