Griffin Anthony Arends, 22, of Traverse City passed away unexpectedly on July 26, 2026.

Griffin was born on March 24, 2004; the beloved son of Creig Anthony and Lisa Soojung (Griffin) Arends and brother to Elena. He came into this world the same way he lived his whole life: large head full of hair, and filling the room with his huge personality.

Griffin attended GTACS, West Middle School and graduated from West Senior High in 2022. After graduation he chose to follow his heart by making a career out of his favorite pastime, fishing. He was beyond proud to have earned his captain’s license, just this past March. Fishing was his happy place, second only to the love of his life, Ella.

On the rare occasions you could pull Griffin away from his reel, you would also find him chasing gobblers, or deer hunting with his buddies. He was an excellent cook, taking every chance to convince others that venison steaks were better than beef. He also had a knack for “river cooking” where he would create something amazing alongside the river on his blackstone.

Griffin was larger than life. From his size 14 feet, to his giant Afro, from his booming voice, to his juicy butt he was so proud of, you never had to wonder where Griffin was or what he was thinking. He had a personality to match, and a way of making others know they were loved, cared for and safe. He made friends everywhere he went, whether it was sharing a drink at a local bar, or teaching others to fish on the banks of any river or dock he could find. And Griffin left us doing exactly that, catching his limit, cracking jokes, and pulling into his favorite spot in the Fishtown harbor behind the Cheese Shanty, waiting to say hello to his love, Ella.

Griffin will be so dearly missed for his big heart, and even bigger hair, his amazing story telling, and his incredible love that he gave so freely.

Griffin will be forever loved by his parents Creig and Lisa; his sister Elena (fiancé Cheech), girlfriend Ella; his many, many best friends; his Megabite and Bloodrun families, his grandparents Debra (Edward) Masselink, Garry Griffin, Thom (Sue) Arends and Carole Hanlon; and many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, friends, and beloved dog Louie.

An informal gathering celebrating Griffin’s life will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026 from 11-2 at the Gardens at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Come as you are, fishing attire encouraged!

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a memorial contribution to the Fishtown Preservation Society or the Leelanau Conservancy.