Griffin Family Funeral Chapels

Griffin Family Funeral Chapels, a cherished institution in Ventura County, served families in Camarillo and Thousand Oaks for over seven decades before closing its doors in August 2022. The business was deeply rooted in the community, originating in 1951 when brothers Russell and Tom Griffin founded Griffin Brothers Mortuary on Oak Street in Camarillo. The brothers were known for their unwavering professionalism, compassion, and commitment to treating every family with the dignity they would expect for their own. They also operated an ambulance service, reflecting their dedication to serving the community in times of need. As the business grew, a second mortuary was opened in Thousand Oaks, and the Camarillo location moved to a building near the 101 freeway.

In 1984, the Griffin brothers sold the business to Pierce Brothers Corp. to semi-retire and focus on family. However, the family legacy was revived in 2007 when Russell's son, Mark Griffin, along with his brother Tim Griffin and brother-in-law Jim Bond, reopened both locations under the new name Griffin Family Funeral Chapels. Mark Griffin, a former firefighter, was motivated by a desire to honor his father's memory and continue the tradition of compassionate care. He understood the profound grief families experience and strived to provide exceptional support during their darkest days.

The funeral home offered a full range of services including traditional burials, cremations, viewings, and memorial services. Locations at 1075 East Daily Drive in Camarillo and 101 East Wilbur Road in Thousand Oaks were known for their warm, welcoming environments. The business was family-owned and operated, with a reputation for personalized attention and genuine empathy.

After Jim Bond retired and Tim Griffin passed away in 2018, Mark Griffin ran the two locations alone. The challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic further strained operations, as the team faced the devastating impact of the virus and had to suspend services for grieving families. At age 63, Mark Griffin decided to retire from the demanding 24/7 occupation, and with no other family members interested in taking over, the decision was made to close the business. The closure marked the end of a remarkable era of service, but the legacy of the Griffin family lives on in the countless lives they touched with kindness and respect during life's most difficult moments.