2/3/10: Laurali Noteman
Randy Griffiths keeps life real. As the nursing director of Kane County Hospital’s Long Term Care wing he has his hands full. He makes out schedules, updates and generates policies and procedures, studies and implements government rules and regulations and works "the floor" of the Long Term Care Unit. That in and as of itself is a huge task but he is also a Bishop in his church and a dedicated father and husband.
Randy was born in Kanab and grew up in Fredonia. His dad and mom are Mont, "Griff" and Carla Griffiths. Randy was raised learning how to work. His summers were spent in Tropic at the family ranch. He began working the ranch when he was 4 years old. "That’s about when dad figured out I could be useful," Randy commented with affection. Ranching today is still on his "enjoy doing" list.
After highschool he enrolled in Snow College for a year and then went to Rochester, New York on a mission for the LDS church. He returned two years later and completed his schooling with a degree in welding.
After a few years in St. George he joined the National Guard and was stationed in Fort Sill, OK. Randy was a member of the 222.
When he returned home he joined the forces at Kaibab Industries and then on to Smith Pattern and Tool.
One of his fellow workers at Smith’s asked if he wanted to go on a blind date with he and his date.Randy’s date was Yvonne Aries. They dated for 6 months before they tied the knot.
Randy went back to school, changed jobs, and worked the ranch virtually keeping the couple on the move for the first 5 years of their marriage. In fact Yvonne was there for support through all 16 moves during those first five years.
After the birth of their 3rd child, the couple have 5 children, Randy enrolled in nursing school. He came back to KCH November 24, 2003.
Is this guy a saint? No probably not but close. His staff praise the way he carries out his duties with their lives as one of his priorities. His closing statement, " I appreciate all the energy people put into the hospital to make it a success." I don’t think he understands, what you put out there is what you get back. He puts in a tremendous amount of energy on a daily basis.
If you have a few extra minutes stop by Kane County Hospital’s SNF and visit for a minute. The residents maybe old friends or not, but they enjoy visitors, it helps make them smile and makes the giver feel pretty darn good as well.
