George Griffith

George Durward Griffith, a resident of Long Beach, Calif., died Sept. 10, while sailing aboard his motorboat with family members near Catalina Island, Calif. He was 91.

Born May 9, 1921, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He worked at Chevron as an engineer and also for the Atomic Energy Commission at the Lab.

Griffith was an active sailor and member of the Los Angeles Yacht Club Transpacific Yacht Club, and Cruising Club of America. He was often known as the "father of the Cal-40" -- a type of race boat he designed.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mille; daughter, Mary; son, David; and grandchildren Marla and Michael.

A memorial service will be held Sept. 16 at the Los Angeles Yacht Club in San Pedro, Calif. His ashes will be scattered off the west end of Catalina, the last mark before Diamond Head.

Donations may be made in his memory to the Los Angeles Yacht Club.