County Commissioners recognize island legend
Earlier this month, one of Pine Island’s prominent residents was recognized posthumously by the Board of County Commissioners of Lee County. During the regular Tuesday meeting, the commissioners proclaimed Dec. 2, 2008, as Brian Griffin Day.
“Brian fought hard to make sure the public interests were addressed in many ways,” said Commissioner Ray Judah. “He and his wife served on numerous committees including the Smart Growth committee since its inception as well as playing an important part in getting 20/20 on the ballet. Brian always fought hard to keep taxes down and to protect the environment.”
Griffin lost his battle with cancer on Thanksgiving of this year.
“Brian’s passing on Thanksgiving day seems appropriate as we should truly give thanks for all that he did for Lee County,” said Commissioner Frank Mann.
On receiving the proclamation, Griffin’s wife, Kathy Malone, provided the commissioners and attendees with further information about Griffin.
“While in the service, Brian was an Army engineer and spoke fluent German. He also coached hockey at the Coast Guard Academy and was a deputy sheriff. He later played football for the New York Giants as a center for one year. He always wanted a level playing field for everyone,” said Malone.
According to Malone, Griffin also worked for the ISO before moving to Florida. Griffin also was a retired hockey referee prior to relocating to Matlacha where he often referred to himself as “Duchy of Matlacha.”
Griffin also served as a member of the Matlacha-Pine Island Fire Control District Board of Commissioners and was an active member of the Greater Pine Island Civic Association.
During his term on the fire board, Griffin worked closely with former board members Elsie Stearns and Leo Amos.
“During my term as chairperson with the board, Brian always treated me with the utmost respect. If ever we were at odds, he would always extend his hand to me across the table at the end of a debate proving he knew the difference between an argument and a debate,” said Stearns. “The thing I will remember most about Brian is that he always would take things to task and investigate. If there was any investigating to be done, he would take it on and dig up as many facts by searching for details and bring it back to the board. He was a diligent worker and stood strong for the things he believed in. Brian always went that extra mile to do what was best for his community.”
In addition to serving on the fire board, Amos also served with Griffin in the past on the board of the Matlacha Civic Association.
“Brian would collect items for our annual rummage sale fund-raiser for the Civic Association and when it came to the sale, he could even sell Christmas items even though it was February,” said Amos. “Brian had a knack with people and had the ability to get along with just about everybody. He was an asset to Pine Island and Matlacha in many ways and while he was hard working and dedicated, he also had a great sense of humor. We are going to miss his ability to represent us before the county.”
In recent years, Griffin also served on the board of the Greater Pine Island Civic Association and earlier this year organized and moderated a political debate on behalf of the association.