We have reached a time once again in our nation that we must stand up to what is going on all around us. Most of us can say that we would like things to be different, that times are tough and that once again we are going to be calling on our children to pay off a debt that they did not create. There are those among us who are not just speaking out, but are stepping up. They have decided to put their lives on hold for the greater good of us all. One of them is Daniel Glen Griffey.
December 15th, 1970 Dan Griffey was born in Bremerton, Washington to Delmer and Barbara Griffey. The Griffey's had another son Dennis who excitedly welcomed Dan. Referred to by Dennis as Daniel Boone Dooner. The boys were 7 years and 5 days apart, but friends for life. Daniel's sister Jennifer was born just 11 month later. Always just his age for a few weeks a year.
The Griffey's lived in Allyn, Washington in Mason County. In fact most of the extended family lived in houses right next door to the Griffey's home. When In Allyn, even to this day it is hard to run an errand without running into one of Dan's relatives, or lifelong family friends.
Dan's father Del was born in Oklahoma. Del's mother was Cherokee Indi
an and his father Irish. They relocated the family to Washington when Del was very small. Dan's mother, Barbara was born in Washington while her father was a soldier during WWII. Dan and his Grandpa Gene were inseparable. His Grandpa delighted in taking the family on trips, especially to the old homestead in Montana. He also made sure they stopped by every historical site along the way. He also taught Dan to play the fiddle by ear. Dan's Grandmother, Dorothy still lives in the family home in Tacoma and they are very close.
Community spirit was very valuable to the Griffey's and they brought their children up helping serve the community where ever they could. The children sold booster buttons to help retain the bus services at North Mason School. They joined in many causes over the years, always there to lend a helping hand to a neighbor in need. There were times that they too were in need ,but they always managed to pull through. This taught the children valuable lessons in fiscal conservatism.
Dan's parents were both volunteer firefighters in the 1970's, again giving to the community where ever there was a need. Dan became a volunteer firefighter at the age of 16 and was even allowed to respond to calls from the school, as were a few of his closest friends.
Dan is a fiddler. He was one of the favorites to close the Old time Fiddlers show. He did this not only to honor the memory of his Grandfather but because he loved it, his Orange Blossom Special is his most requested.
Another way the Griffey's honored their commitment to the community was by preserving the past.Dan was a parliamentarian at the local highschool, and served on the board of the Mason County Historical Society . His parents are both still very active, and are instrumental in much of the organization's events. Dan's mother Barb, devoted to preservation of historical sites, is also member of the Allyn Historic Church- St. Hughes, where Dan was baptized. Built in 1909 it is a valued reminder and an icon in the community.
The past is just as important as the present. Dan serves our community now as a professional firefighter and has since 1992. He has served as the Union President and Vice President. He is also a member of the Allyn Community Association. He is currently supporting the new trail system inviting all to access the beauty of the rustic Allyn waterfront.
Dan married Dinah Lee Espedal in 1992, and they welcomed Alyssa Marie Lynn, the first of three daughters that winter, followed By Megan Marie in 1994 and Sarah Elizabeth Marie in 1997. They moved the family to Shelton in 1993 and then came home again to Allyn in 2005.
Having a passion for History Dan studied many of the great politician's of both our nation's past and present. Finding that this great nation was not only founded by great men, but their ideas and methods were timeless and designed to carry this nation on in greatness as prescribed by The United States Constitution. Such inspiration took a hold of Dan and guided him in his decision to run for the State Senate. Dan felt obligated to extend the valuable lessons learned by his community service, knowledge, and hard work and to put them to an even greater use in public office.
Once elected to the State House, Dan will continue his service to his community with a much farther reach, in hopes of encouraging a love for this state among the people and guiding our youth into opportunities for Washington's future.
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