Richard Griffin Mead, 67 of Rapid City passed away November 18, 2020.

A Christian Funeral Mass will be held 11:00am Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at Blessed Sacrament Church, with the Very Rev. Timothy S. Hoag as celebrant. Inurnment will follow at Mtn. View Cemetery in Rapid City. Online condolences can be left at www.osheimschmidt.com

Richard "Griff" was born in North Platte, Nebraska, and grew up in Rapid City. He was on the Tumbling and Golf Teams at Stevens High School. He attended the University of Nebraska and was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He graduated with a degree in Life Science.

Griff was married to Cheryl Wakely of Lincoln, NE for 32 years. They loved to travel and were fortunate to take their last trip together to Ireland, the homeland of the Griffins, which was incredibly special. Griff was blessed with the gift of "gab"- he loved to talk. Golf, skiing, Golden Retrievers, and Nebraska football were special things shared with his family.

Griff had successful careers in both pharmaceutical sales and medical equipment sales for many years. Again, his gift of gab came in handy.

As a father, Griff was especially proud of his son, Geoff, and daughter Sydney. He loved talking about their achievements, and his dreams for them. After they were born, Griff found his spiritual home in the Catholic Church. He spent the last year enjoying his "grandchildren" at his apartment complex and relished his role as "Grandpa Griffie".

Griff had many friends during his lifetime, but no one as important to him as Al Rieman, his best man. Doug Mastel remained close to Griff until the end. Our family is forever grateful to them.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Rolly and Laverne Mead. He is survived by Cheryl Mead, his children Richard Geoffrey and Sydney, and his sister Becky Sargeant (Steve) and his niece, Lindsay.