The family regrets to announce that Ray William George Griffin, after 82 years of living an exceptional life, passed away on June 3, 2019 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.

He was a much-loved son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He was a beloved teacher, a wonderful friend, a passionate champion for justice and will be deeply missed by so many.

Ray was born May 29, 1937 to parents Donald Charles Griffin and Laura Mabel Griffin (nee Brown) in Alameda, Saskatchewan. As well as sharing the spotlight with his older sister, Barbara Ruth (Barb), his peaceful existence was rudely interrupted by the births of siblings Donald Grant (Grant), Murray Douglas (Murray), Laura Jean (Jean), and Graeme Edwin (Graeme).

As a student preacher, serving in Rosthern Saskatchewan, Ray met Eleanor Janet Giesbrecht (Janet), and on September 3, 1960 the two were married in Rosthern, Saskatchewan.

They lived in Saskatoon where Janet worked as a nurse and Ray worked for Remington in typewriter sales. In 1961 their son, Douglas Bruce Griffin was born in Saskatoon. Shortly after Doug’s birth they relocated to Prince Albert, where Ray lived for the remainder of his life.

Not content with just Doug, once they arrived in Prince Albert they tried again, which resulted in the birth of daughter Janet Sharlene Griffin (Sharlene) in 1964.

Ray was a very hard worker, holding down a full-time job in Prince Albert while driving into Saskatoon weekly to complete his degree in Education. He also worked part time with the Canadian Forces reserves.

He loved canoeing the lakes and rivers of Northern Saskatchewan – just ask any of the men and women who accompanied him on these legendary (and occasionally harrowing) adventures if you would like to hear stories. He spent many years involved with 20th Golden Hawks Cubs, Scouts and Venturers as Scoutmaster. He was incredibly generous with his time and energy, involved with countless causes including helping start and manage homeless shelters, helping those fleeing persecution to find a home in Prince Albert, and was always ready to lend a hand to those in need. He was a life-long and active member of Calvary United Church.

Ray was predeceased by his mother Laura Mabel (nee Brown) Griffin (1910–1986), his brother Murray Douglas Griffin (1943–2002) and his father Donald Charles Griffin (1909–2005).

Ray leaves to mourn and will be very much missed by his wife Janet Griffin, his daughter Sharlene (Don) Driedger and his son Doug (Jorge Rosas-Gracida) Griffin.  He was the proud grandfather of two grandchildren Tracey and Erika.

Ray is survived by his sister Barb (Lorne) Koroluk, his brother Grant (Carol) Griffin, his sister Jean (Jerry) Charbonneau and his brother Graeme (Donna) Griffin.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Calvary United Church, on Saturday June 8, 2019 at 11:00 AM followed by a lunch and time to celebrate Ray’s life.

We are grateful to the wonderful staff at Victoria Hospital who provided such excellent care in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in the memory of Ray to the Victoria Hospital Foundation (https://www.helpthevic.ca/), the Heart and Stroke Foundation (https://www.heartandstroke.ca) or the Canadian Cancer Society (http://www.cancer.ca/en/donate/?region=sk)

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca.  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel (306) 922-4729.

• Date : 2019-06-03
• Location : Prince Albert, SK