Philip Griffen

Philip Chauncey Griffen passed away on May 29, 2017 at his home in McCormick, South Carolina with his family at his side.  Philip was born on August 1, 1935 and is predeceased by his parents Isaac and Ruth Griffen and his brothers Edward and Walter.  He lived his entire life in Quaker Springs except for when he attended Cornell University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry. While there he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.  He and his wife Linda spent the last 11 winters in Savannah Lakes, South Carolina.

Phil operated Patriots View Dairy Farm in Bemis Heights, NY for 30 years.  When he was 51 years old he started Saratoga Sod Farm which is now owned and operated by his son, Steven, and daughter-in-law, Laurie Griffen.

Phil was active in many agricultural and community organizations.  He was recognized as an Outstanding Young Farmer in 1967.  Phil was an active participant and leader in Saratoga County Farm Bureau and also served as Vice President and President of NY Farm Bureau.  He served on the Saratoga County Agricultural Soil Conservation service and the NY Soil and Water Committee for many years. Phil sat on the Advisory Council to the Dean of the College of Agriculture at Cornell University. Phil was an active member of Turfgrass Producers International and enjoyed the collegiality and free exchange of ideas with other growers. He served on the Saratoga County Cooperative Extension board, Town of Saratoga Planning board, and was a Town of Saratoga Councilman.  Philip was a member of the Quaker Springs Volunteer Fire Department and served as treasurer for many years.  Phil was a life-long member of the Quaker Springs United Methodist Church.

Phil took great pride in his immediate and extended family and his community.  He treasured close friends, neighbors, and agricultural colleagues.  He was an avid golfer, loved to garden, and enjoyed travelling with friends and family. Phil lived true to his personal belief that God is love.

Philip is survived by his wife of 59 years, Linda Sweezey Griffen, and five children and 16 grandchildren; Laura (John) McDermott, Catherine, Hannah (Frederick) Wolf, Lillian, Samuel, Elijah Fournier; Julia (Peter) Phillips, Neal, Abigail (John) Van Peursem, Rebecca (Curtis) Drozd, Jack;  Karen (Evan) Cornell, Isaac, Phebe, Philip; Steven (Laurie) Griffen, Alexandra, William, Lucius; Sara (Andrew) Hoofnagle; Margaret, Jane;  brother Paul (Virginia) Griffen, sister-in-law Marian Griffen and many nieces, nephews, and cousins .

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be sent to the Quaker Springs United Methodist Church.

Calling hours are Friday, June 9 from 2pm – 6pm at the home of Steve and Laurie Griffen, 902 US Route 4, Schuylerville, NY  12871.  Funeral service is Saturday, June 10 at 11:00 am at the Quaker Springs United Methodist Church, 466 Route 32 South, Schuylerville, NY 12871.  Reception following at Steve and Laurie Griffen's home.