Griffin, Sydney Patrick
Griffin, Sydney Patrick
December 27, 1928-March 11, 2019
Gone Home.
Passed away peacefully on March 11, 2019 at the age of 90. Syd was the beloved husband of the late Norma Beverly Griffin (2007). He leaves behind his loving children, Derek Griffin (Elizabeth) and Eleanor Grilo (Carlos) and his cherished grandchildren Connor, Kevin and Brooke Grilo. Long-time friend and companion to Freida Ondreyka. Uncle to many nieces and nephews. The last of 5 Griffin siblings, predeceased by brothers Jack, Desmond, and sisters Eleanor and Marion.
Born in Winnipeg but grew up in Montreal. He began a career at Johns Manville in Montreal where he met his wife Norma. The job took them to Asbestos, Quebec where Syd enjoyed a successful career in purchasing, earning his PMAC certification, and rising to the role of Purchasing Manager. His career achievements led him to become a member of the “Quarter Century Club” as well as a member and president of the Purchasing Managers Association of Canada (PMAC).
In 1979 the job took Syd and the family to Toronto. After leaving Manville, Syd worked for the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources until he retired.
Syd was an avid sports enthusiast, a devoted Habs fan, a lover of military history, and a connoisseur of Jazz music! Syd kept busy with many hobbies including stamps, badges but primarily Scouts Canada, an organization he happily held many positions in for 57 years!
Syd was well liked, a perpetual helper, an ultimate gentleman and a patriotic Canadian!
Syd will be greatly missed by his family and numerous friends.
A memorial service to celebrate Syd’s life will be held at St. John’s Dixie, 737 Dundas St. East, Mississauga. Service with reception to follow will be held on Saturday, March 16th at 4:30pm
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.
From Scouter Anne and John Hartwell’s family;
We saw Syd last month in his Scout uniform as he saluted Anne in her coffin and said farewell to a best friend.
Syd left wonderful memories for our family and his memories will always be cherished.
We are so sorry to hear about Syd’s passing.
This Scout’s prayer was read at Anne’s funeral and we’d like to pay tribute to Syd now.
A Scout’s Prayer
We have hiked along life’s pathway,
Our packs upon our backs,
We have pitched our tents and rested
Here and there along the tracks.
We have used our compass wisely
To guide us on our way
And hope to reach the campsite
Of our Great Chief Scout some day.
We have tried to be trustworthy –
Kept our honour high and clean,
We have been as loyal as any
To our Country and our Queen.
We have done our best at all times –
Kept our Promise – been prepared,
And hope our good deeds please Him
When at last our souls are bared.
We have lightened others’ burdens,
With our smiles along the way,
We have kept our hand in God’s hand,
Walked beside Him day by day.
And when our span of life runs out,
We’ll make this gentle plea –
May we sit around His Campfire
At the Final Jamboree.
All our love to your family
My thoughts and prayers are with those gathered today, the family and friends of Syd. I knew him through stamp collecting and know that the Scouting movement had a great influence of his life as it did mine. Peace to all. The Rev. Doug Dittrich Burnaby BC
What a wonderful man Syd was. I knew him through Scout stamp and badge collecting. As a matter of fact I thought about him this morning as I was looking at some Apple Day items in my collection.
As we say in Scouting, Syd has “Gone Home” to that great campfire circle in the sky.
Kindest regards to his family and friends.
Hazel Elmslie, London, ON