Former U.S. Sen. Robert Griffin of Michigan was laid to rest yesterday in Traverse City. Griffin died late last week at the age of 91. After serving in World War II, the Detroit native began practicing law in Traverse City. The Republican eventually served in the U.S. House and Senate for a total of 22 years until he was narrowly defeated for re-election to the Senate by Democrat Carl Levin in 1978.Griffin then went on to serve as a justice on the Michigan Supreme Court for eight years, between 1986 and 1994.
His tenure in Washington may be best remembered for his suggestion that President Richard Nixon, whom Sen. Griffin referred to as a friend, resign from office after the so-called “smoking gun” incident in the Watergate investigation.
Current State remembers Sen. Griffin with former Gov. John Engler.