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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
GRIFFIN, Thomas George Keith (Gnu, Griff) - age 86 years of Hammonds Plains, passed away peacefully at home on May 10, 2024.
Born in St. Boniface, Manitoba on July 29, 1937; he was a son of the late Clifford and Mary (Cullen) Griffin.
Keith (Griff) served with the Royal Canadian Navy for 38 years from 1954 To 1992. For a period of 5 years, he was on loan the British Royal Navy. Sailing on more than a dozen submarines and ships as a Stoker and Navy diver, he logged 2454 days at sea during his naval career. He was the recipient of The NATO Service Medal, The Canadian Declaration (CD3), Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and the Commissionaires Long Service Medal. He was very proud of his Navy service and being a Submariner. Having many fond memories and wonderful stories of those he served with. After his Navy service, Griff worked on several vessels ranging from ice breakers in the Arctic to seismic ships that operated worldwide.
He was as a member of the Sackville Lions Club for a period of 47 years, serving as club president on two occasions. During his time as a Lion, he earned a lifetime membership and several Lions club Awards. Griff found a lot of joy in volunteering within his community.
Griff began curling in his youth in Winnipeg and continued his love for the sport at the Dartmouth Curling club and Lake shore curling club. He later assumed the coaching position of his granddaughters junior curling team.
Always a fan of Canadian football, Griff followed all of the Atlantic college teams and attended several SMU Huskies football games over the past several decades. A lifelong CFL fan, he was very pleased to cheer on his home town Blue Bombers in the Grey Cup these past few seasons.
Griff and his wife Marilyn began dating in June 1970 and were married in June 1971, celebrating their 52nd wedding anniversary last year. They built their family home in Lower Sackville in 1974 and remained there until 2006. Between 1981 and 2017, they enjoyed spending their summers in Toney River at the cottage.
A lover of bagpipe music, he could be found every Saturday enjoying "The tartan hour" on the radio. In the late 80's, he joined the 33rd Service Battalion Pipes and Drums as their bass drummer, giving him the opportunity to play alongside his son Christopher and performing at the Nova Scotia International Tattoo in 1989. In recent years, he's had the pleasure of watching his Granddaughter Kaitlyn follow in his footsteps as a bass drummer for the Dartmouth and district pipe band.
An avid story teller, Griff enjoyed sharing stories of his life experiences. Anyone who met him has certainly heard a story or two and likely a joke or two as well. Wherever he went, he always encountered someone that knew him. We will all miss the stories Griff.
Left with many loving memories are his devoted wife of 52 years, Marilyn (Campbell); beloved son, Christopher Griffin; cherished granddaughter, Kaitlyn Adshead; brother, Patrick Griffin and sister, Joan Januszkowski (Konrad); also by nieces, Colleen Harmer (Jack), Cori Januszkowski and Tania Januszkowski (Derrick Gathercole); nephew, Keith Griffin and a large number of extended family members and friends.
Predeceased by his nephew Mason Reid Griffin; and sister in law Jane Griffin (Fergusson).
In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 12:15pm from St. Ignatius Catholic Church (5 Bedford St. Bedford) with reception to follow in the Sackville Lions Club (101 Old Beaverbank Rd. Lower Sackville).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local Lions Club or the SPCA.
Special thank you to Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Services and EHS for timely response and compassion. Keith was a Marine Engineer and Stoker in his former life.
Ships served in: HMS/m TRUNCHEON HMS/m ANDREW HMS/m ANCHORITE HMS/m OPOSSUM HMS/m ORPHEUS HMS/m OSIRIS HMS/m RORQUAL HMS/m GRAMPUS HMCS OKANAGAN - Commissioning crew
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