Raymond John Griffiths
April 13, 1926 - June 29, 2020
Tribute
Ray was called into the presence of his lord on the morning of Monday, June 29 at his home in Abbotsford. He leaves behind his beloved wife Winnie, with whom he shared 72 wonderful years of marriage. His children Barry (Diane), Rod (Janet) and Shelley (Garry), ten grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren grieve his loss and celebrate the joy of having Ray as their father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Born in Vancouver to Christine and Jack Griffiths, Ray moved to Abbotsford as a young teenager, attending Upper Sumas elementary and Phillip Sheffield high school. At 17, Ray joined the Canadian Air Force to serve his country in World War 11. Sent east for training, he returned to BC at the end of the war.
Ray married his sweetheart Winnie in October of 1947. In those early years, Ray worked as a road builder for logging camps up and down the coast of BC. When the opportunity to work close to home arose in 1963, Ray became a superintendent with the BC Diking Commission. Ray started his own company, Griffiths Draglines in the early ‘70s, and soon expanded into pile driving and mobile cranes. Retirement in 1989 enabled Ray and Winnie to travel across Canada, up to the Arctic in the motor home, and, with friends, to explore every highway and back road on the detailed BC road maps that guided them on their adventures.
Ray was active in both his community and church. An early member of the Recreation Commission, Ray was instrumental in getting sporting fields and activities going in Abbotsford. He served as President of the Fraser River Truck and Equipment Association. He was a member of Abbotsford’s Board of Variance, preparing for and attending meetings up until his death. Ray served as usher at Northview Church, attended study groups there, and with Winnie hosted a care group in their home.
Family was essential to Ray. His joy in his family was clear in the welcome he offered all new members of his clan. Ray offered acceptance and unconditional love to all, a little wise counsel if asked, but always a whole lot of humour and stories from his boundless store of both.
A private family celebration of Ray’s life was held at Northview Church on July 11. Ray was a strong supporter of the Abbotsford Food Bank, and a donation there would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.
Condolences
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From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home
Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Carol McCormack
Relation: Home group
Dearest Winnie,
I have just read today’s paper & the tears won’t stop. It is impossible to imagine either one of you without the other. Such a very, very special couple & I love you both so much!! You & all your family will miss him terribly.
But –What a reunion you will have!!! I am picturing him right now with Jesus who is saying “Well done, good & faithful servant”
God be with you all from Carol McCormack
From: Joe Bragg
Relation: Through work, and the industry.
I had the pleasure of working for Ray (& Rod) at Griffiths Pile and Crane as a young family man in the 1990s. That job, and your family opened many doors for me over the years. I will always remember Ray as a leader who I admired for both his business ethics and acumen.
I am so very sorry for your loss.
From: Geoff Brown
Relation: Volunteering for the City
So sorry to hear of Rays passing. I was on the board of variance with Ray for years and always enjoyed our time together; his sharp mind, wisdom and business experience, his caring and keenness in our job at hand. Overall, he was a real gentleman, a smiling face and a kind word for all. Like many leaders of our City, Ray always worked to make this a better place for all. Dearly missed
From: Andrea Kastner
Barry, Diane, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your dad and father-in-law. There must be such a big hole left in your lives and heart with his passing. I did not know your dad well, Barry, but I do remember how friendly he was in his quiet way. Gentle, and so open to and interested in people. I’m sure I can’t fully appreciate how important he was to you Diane, but maybe the fact of my long admiration of you over all these years since high school, my respect and continuing deep fondness offers me a tiny sense of how big a loss this is. I trust you will both feel a lively ongoing connection with Ray whose love for you does not die.
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
Ray was a strong supporter of the Abbotsford Food Bank, and a donation there would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier for delivery throughout the entire lower mainland, from Hope to Vancouver:
Wiebe & Jeske Funeral Home
202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8
info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the address/phone number of the delivery location for handy reference.
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