Jack Griffiths, ODNW
A long-term member of the St. Clement’s community, Jack Griffiths, died peacefully at home on the evening of May 8, his daughter and son, Lynn and Vern, by his side. We will miss him deeply.
As husband of Barbara, father, father-in-law, grandpa, friend to all ages, neighbour, community member, colleague, Jack brought steadfast wisdom, kindliness and patience to everything he did.
Jack helped to guide the parish over more than four decades. He was awarded the ODNW in 2013, the second member of St. Clement’s to be so recognized. Here is the Citation that was read at the investiture, November 5, 2013:
Jack has been active at his parish of St. Clements’ since 1968. In addition to serving in various leadership roles in the parish, he has been active in the maintenance and operation of the parish buildings. There are very few light bulbs in the building that he has not replaced!
Earlier this spring, Jack wrote this Stewardship Moment, which one of the wardens, Phoebe, read out for the congregation. Here are some of his words:
Throughout my life, God has been unfailingly present when I needed Him. First off, briefly, He caused me to be born into a loving family with devoted parents and, in time, wonderful, supportive, brothers and sisters, although I was too young to recognize all of this at the time.
As a young man, I found myself mentally ready to meet a nice girl, settle down and raise a family. Lo and behold, while visiting my mother in hospital I met a nice girl, single, intelligent, attractive, personable, about the right age, etc. A number of unusual circumstances resulted in the meeting, and once again I felt those circumstances were the hand of God at work. I married her, and we had almost 60 years of amazing wedded bliss.
In my mid-fifties I found myself in need of open heart surgery. To say I was scared out of my mind is to only hint at the depth of my concern. Just before the surgery I decided to “give it to God to handle”, so I prayed “Dear God, I am putting myself in your hands. Thy will be done ”. I felt an immediate peace. The surgery went amazingly well. That was almost thirty years ago.
As for my service to St. Clement’s, I have been a member since 1968. Through the last 5 decades, I’ve served as warden under 4 priests ... Synod Delegate, chair of PC, a sidesperson/greeter, reader, eucharistic administrator, on the building maintenance committee ... So yes, I was an active member.
Jack’s ashes will be interred in the Memorial Garden, where they will join those of his beloved Barbara.
May Jack rest in peace and rise in glory.
Photo Kath Biebrich