Keith LaMont Griffin

Husband, father. Grandpa, uncle. Farmer, meat cutter, trapper. Friend. With family nearby, Keith “Smiley” LaMont Griffin passed away on June 25, 2025, of natural causes at Heritage Senior Living in Preston, Idaho.

Born on February 8, 1940, Keith was the oldest living child of LaMont W. and Pearl Griffin. Sisters Karen and Kaylene later joined the family.

As a child he grew up in Nibley, River Heights, Logan, Smithfield, and Preston areas. Some of his fondest memories were on Dirty Head, the family dry farm near Black Canyon in Weston, Idaho. He spent many summers there with his dad growing and harvesting wheat on 320 acres. He recently visited the farm and shared favorite memories with his children and grandchildren.

Friends who knew him always called him Smiley, a nickname he inherited from his dad. Smiley moved to Preston during his high school years.

In 1962, he was drafted in the U.S. Army and served in Thailand as a water purification technician. He often shared fond memories of his pet monkey Susie, who saved his life from a boa constrictor.

On July 5, 1968, he married Katherine “Kathy” Jensen Hansen. They were blessed with three children: Kerry, Karen, and Kelly. For 28 years they owned a sheep farm at the Bear River Massacre Site, 4 miles north of Preston.

He also worked in meat production for Knudson’s Pack and later for Hubbard’s Packing in Preston and Tri-Miller’s in Hyrum, Utah. Any free time was spent hunting, fishing, and trapping. He loved all his many pets, especially his dogs. In later years, he enjoyed watching his son’s racing pigeons, flock of sheep, and herd of mink.

Smiley enjoyed the simple things in life: a quiet car ride out to see the sheep, Bosen’s cattle, or Weeks’s horses. Stopping at Ransom’s Country Store was a daily must as well. The Bear River was Dad’s happy place. Being there soothed his soul in a way nothing else could. May he spend as much time as he’d like now by the riverside.

Smiley is survived by his three children: Kerry (Cole) Smith, Karen (Zan) Murray, and Kelly Griffin, as well as six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and a sister Kaylene (Ted) Troseth. He was preceded in death by his wife, by his parents, and by his sisters, Janette and Karen.

Per Dad’s request, there will be graveside services only at the Preston Cemetery on July 5 (their wedding anniversary) at 11:00 am.

Special thanks to the ladies at Ransom’s Country Store for the kindest drive-up service and friendship, as well as the staff at Heritage Senior Living who were very attentive.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com