GRIFFITH, Joseph Louis

91 years of age

 

Dad was born on August 20, 1921 at Rockdell, Saskatchewan. He lived in Yorkton, Saskatchewan when he was young, and moved to Neepawa with his mother Georgina and brother Barnie when he was in high school. He played violin, ball, and hockey; and enjoyed curling and water skiing in his younger years. He met his wife Rosa Turner in Neepawa and they were married on September 14, 1941. They were both active members of the Anglican Church all of their lives; both church and God were important to them. When WWII broke out, he enlisted into the Canadian Merchant Navy on October 1, 1942 and trained to be a radio technician. He got his nickname “Sparks” because of this job and was stationed out of Vancouver until February 24, 1946. A Merchant Marine’s job was to deliver lumber, oil, military supplies and food to support British war efforts. Dad and his crew sailed to many places picking up these supplies; places like San Francisco, Australia, Chili, Scotland and Murmansk. The later of which, being a run to Russia, was the most treacherous of trips that dad and his Captain volunteered for. After coming home from the war, he was told he would receive no benefits and as he was now a civilian, he had no job waiting for him. However, dad soon found work in Neepawa for a while and when the opportunity to manage the Co-op in Rossburn came about, he took it. Dad was a hard worker; he wouldn’t quit until he mastered the task. This started his career with Co-op, moving from Flin Flon, Swan River, and Killarney, Manitoba; to Whitewood, Saskatchewan; and finally Strathmore Alberta. Along with the Co-op movement, dad loved square dance calling and round dancing. He square dance called in all four Prairie Provinces, which is a feat in itself. You square dancers were mom and dad’s second family. Thank you for taking such good care of them. Thanks also to the staff at the Wheatland Lodge and the Strathmore Hospital for all the good care you have given dad. It has been very much appreciated. Thank you dad from all your family for your love, friendship, guidance, and hard work. We are proud of you; you have set a high example for us to aim for. Dad is survived by his daughters Carole Huston and Lynn (Ron) Froese; grandchildren Kelly Huston, Darren (Monique) Huston, Patrick (Andrea) Froese, Allan (Michelle) Froese; great-grandchildren Chandler Huston, Jarod Huston, Madison Froese and Colton Froese; sister-in-law Nellie Boxall; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to the Alzheimer Society of Calgary (201, 222-58 Ave S.W., Calgary, T2H 2S3) or the Canadian Cancer Society (200, 325 Manning Road N.E., Calgary, T2E 2P5). A memorial service will be held Monday, September 10, 2012 at Strathmore United Church, at 11:00 a.m. To send condolences, please visit www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca.