Mark Griffin Looks Back on a Legacy in Pool

[azhousepro]

Over his sixty plus years in the Billiards Industry, Mark Griffin has outran a lot of things. He underwent a double lung transplant in 2015. A year later, Griffin started having issues with his retina and lost the use of his right eye. From what Griffin’s doctors tell him, he may have finally run into the obstacle that he can’t outrun. Griffin went to the doctor in October of this year, suffering with problems with his foot, and was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer. This situation has quickly gotten worse and Mark has recently been informed that he doesn’t have much longer to live.

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[Welder84]

Over his sixty plus years in the Billiards Industry, Mark Griffin has outran a lot of things. He underwent a double lung transplant in 2015. A year later, Griffin started having issues with his retina and lost the use of his right eye. From what Griffin’s doctors tell him, he may have finally run into the obstacle that he can’t outrun. Griffin went to the doctor in October of this year, suffering with problems with his foot, and was diagnosed with stage four brain cancer. This situation has quickly gotten worse and Mark has recently been informed that he doesn’t have much longer to live.

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Seems like an amazing guy!

Mr Griffin, I salute you Sir!!

 

[sjm]

I'm near tears as I read this. I've known Mark quite well since about 2004. On top of being an astute businessman, he has always possessed as great a love for pool as nearly anyone I've ever met.

He has been an innovator and risk taker in our sport, which has traditionally had too few of them.

If these are Mark's final days, may he complete them in as much peace and comfort as is possible.

 

[BasementDweller]

I've always been a fan even if I didn't always agree with him. Actually, I think that's a large part of why I liked him -- he stood by his convictions. What a fine race this man has run. I'll see you on the other side of the finish line. Hopefully later than sooner.

 

[lfigueroa]

There are no words.

I met Mark a long time ago. I recall drinks in a casino lounge in Vegas, dinner with him at the DCC when he was married to Sunny, and he was kind enough to ask me to sit at his table for the BCA HOF dinner one year. Mark was always "first boat." IOWs, a class act you never had to worry about in terms of coming through. He has done so much for the world of pool, always trying to make it better. We'd speak every so often on the phone but somehow fell out of touch.

I treasure the time we shared, Mark. Love you.

Lou Figueroa

 

[alphadog]

Never met the man but like almost everyone who plays pool I have been touched by what he has done for our world. And I thank him for bettering the pool world.

 

[jason]

Wow...very sad to hear this news. Although I never met Mark like many of you, I have been well aware of the sacrifices and accomplishments he has done for pool. I've attended many of his National events. I know without him, pool may not even exist in the form it is today. Pool is a tough business with small margins and what he has accomplished is remarkable. My hat is off to his business prowess, character as a person, and dedication to our sport. No one can fill his shoes.

God takes us all at his choosing, but my he perform a miracle for Mark. All of my prayers.

Sincerely, Jason

 

[azhousepro]

I heard from Mark late last night. He says he appreciates everyone who has reached out to him, he asks that anyone wishing to reach him, please do so via text or email. The phone calls are overwhelming.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Jack Justis]

The best in the business! Toots and I are thinking about you.

 

[Steve Lillis]

Sounds like the perfect resume to be considered for the BCA Hall of Fame! We have had a wonderful relationship through the years as Gospel Trick Shot Ministries, Inc. has had a GTS booth at CSI events in years past for well over a decade! I am also thankful that Mark will soon be in the Hall of Faith in Heaven as he has expressed to me in years past that he is a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ! God bless you Mark and the Griffin family and friends!

 

[Chili Palmer]

Hate to hear it. I've never met Mark but I've had one interaction with him, when I started a thread about an APA Vegas meet-up he jumped into the thread and offered to host the meet. It never happened but I will always remember that. I've also been to his room and heard enough stories to know he's good people.