Thanks for the great memories Mr. Griffin or Griff, as many affectionately used.
Photo above from exhibition game at Burlington’s, Lord Nelson vs us Sir Wilfrid Laurier Patriots 1974-5.  We won quite nicely; score? Players pictured RB John Piedmonte 22, and Ed Przychocki 51, both looking to break open another off-tackle right hole. 
Thank you sir for all your help.  You made a difference. 

Sorry to hear of the passing of Dennis "Griff".  I played for Griff at Sir Wilfred Laurier in 1973. He was a great coach to play for, always a cheerleader and seeking ways to put people in the right position to succeed.  I will always have the vision of seeing Griff in his Adidas sweat pants and wearing a green garbage page on top playing paddle ball soaked in sweat. My only regret is that I only had the opportunity to play for him for one season, my grade 13 year. He always made you feel like you could succeed at anything if you put in the effort.  After my season with "Griff"  I was able to go from a very average student to a professional accountant who has been in public practice now for 42 years.  His way of coaching has influenced the way that I have coached my own teams over the years and his ability to connect with people has provided me with lifelong tools that I use to this day. Rest in peace Griff all those that have spent any time around you have a special place in their heart for you coach. - Doug Soules, Bragg Creek, Alberta. 

Regan, my deepest condolences to you and your family.   I am sure your Dad was proud of the wonderful person you are.

  Coach teacher friend.  As an elementary teacher for 31 years there wasn't a year that didn't pass when during discussions in my class about role models or significant individuals who had an everlasting effect in our lives that I always mentioned his name. 
  
   Great memories with Griff at Glendale and Laurier. Travelled with Bonnie and him and four other guys in the back of his station wagon to Florida in 1973 March Break. What a tour guide!
    
 That's the thing about Griff.  He always guided you in the right direction. On or off the field. In the classroom.
 Great sense of humour eh!! I can see Dennis laughing and smiling now.  God bless you coach.



There are so many memories I could share about "Coach Griff" for the years I had the chance to be around him. I played 4 years for "Griff" at Glendale and we all know what he meant to us as young men trying to prove themselves and fit in. The legendary practices of how he moulded each player into more than they thought could be. He was tough but fair to all. Coach asked me to come out for the Hamilton Hurricanes and told me he knew I could play for him but I made a decision for personal reasons not to and he supported me. 
Coach gave me the chance that to this day allowed me to establish myself in the community as a coach for basketball. He supported everyone he came across that were willing to give back. One time a teacher asked Griff to give him the schools position as basketball coach in place of myself and Flavio, who had been volunteer's for the school for a few years at that time, but Griff simply said no, those in that position had done nothing wrong and I support them remaining with the kids. I always thanked him for that whenever we met because it meant that much to me.
I can't ever forget the great trips Griff made with us every year to Dunkirk NY with his family in tow as he attended the Basketball Tournament both the Jr and Sr teams played in, as not so much as a teacher advisor, which wasn't required back then, but as a friend and supporter of these outside coach's who he trusted. Man we had some fun times after those games. His children running around and playing with the players showed Griff was about family and sharing memories and enjoyed sharing his family time with his teams.
Whenever I needed support to run the different events at the school, he was always on board to support us and made every effort to attend games. 
I remember those gym classes where he participated with the class in floor hockey including body checks against the gym divider or with volleyball and certainly when he was teaching the class wrestling and nobody could move him when he started on all fours!!! 
I am so thankful a few of us got together with him for dinner just a week before his passing. A night I will fondly remember to the day I die. As one of guys who attended that night, Mr Gene Kay said "Coach your money is no good anytime I'm around" is exactly how we all felt and respected his impact on our lives. Coach your smile and warmth and love for your students and players will never be forgotten and so fondly remembered. 

Great football coach at Glendale Secondary School. Took us to the City High School championship
one year. Could not wait to get to his Gym class. Had a lot of fun. Me and my girlfriend at the time were
walking down the hall at school when he walked by and said " you two will be together forever.
We have been married for forty years now, how did he know????????


Coach Griff will be sadly missed by the entire community.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Bonnie and the entire family at this difficult time.   On behalf of the Hamilton Football Association and all of its executives, members and players, past and present, we salute Coach Griff and have made a donation to the JumpStart Foundation in his memory.

As my football coach at Sir Wilfrid Laurier High School in 1972 Hamilton, Griff led us to a city championship against perennially dominant Cathedral. As I recall, we were down considerably going in to the 3rd quarter and his demeanour and words of inspiration during half-time in the locker room sent us on to the field with a determination only he could have infused in us. We stormed back to within 2 points and in the last minute of play we marched down the field at Ivor Wynne and were threatening to score. Time simply ran out on us but if one was to ask any player on that team, they would tell you that even in losing it felt like a victory. As a group we faced adversity without fear, fought back with unbridled determination and put a real scare into our opponents on that day, thanks in no small part to the character and influence of our beloved Griff. To this day, to every player on that team, it still feels like we won. Congratulations Dennis on a great life!!  

Forever loved. Forever in our hearts 💕 

Dear Bonnie and Family:

So sorry to hear of the passing of Dennis.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go through this difficult time.  Treasure those great memories that are yours to keep forever . We will always remember the good times we spent with you and your family in Florida.  The Surf Side Resort won't be the same without him.  Thinking of you!

Reid, Kim & Kelly Smith and Family

Very sad and sorry to hear the news of Dennis passing. We have many fond memories of Coach from Florida and always wanted to know if Coach was there if we weren't. My families deepest condolences to Bonnie and the family, he will be missed! 

Larry, Kathy, Janet & Brian Newton

I was at Hillpark late 70’s-80’s. Never had Mr Griffin as a teacher but everyone knew him. He was a great coach. My prayers are with the Family and Friends.  Thank you to the family for sharing your pictures. He had a very Active life and you all have awesome memories. 
RIP Mr Griffin 😢❤️

Thanks Coach Griffin for some great memories and more importantly the life skills you passed along. I had the privilege to play under you at Hill Park, Hamilton and Branford. My thoughts and prayers are with your family today. 

RIP Coach Griffin

Thanks for sharing the pictures. What a beautiful tribute to a great friend.  We will miss "another short one, a third, a quarter".   Glad Jim is able to be with you as you say goodbye to a special friend, husband, Dad and Grandpa . 
 Lois Bulbeck 

On hot days all I would have to say through the fence. Its really hot out today Mr. Griffin. And he would reply would you like to go for a swim Ty.
The greatest man on Kirkland Ave.
You will be missed.

Linda and I along with our family lived beside the Griffins for ten years.  Dennis and the Griffin family were the best of Neighbours . Always friendly and kind to us and our children.  
I will always remember Dennis being out by his pool on warm days and telling our kids to come over for a swim and me to come for a cold beer. The kids had many great times being over there . I myself will always have a fond memory of Dennis serving me my cold beer in a frosty Ti-Cat mug. Each time it would be accompanied by a sly little grin..... as I was a rival Argos fan. 
What a wonderful man.  Remembered fondly. 
The Cooper & Turner family

Mr Griffin was a football coach, phys ed and Geography teacher at Hill Park Secondary. He was my Geography teacher. I hated Geography, somehow Mr Griffin made me like it through his amazing teaching skills. He was also a great football coach!! Leading The Hill Parks Rams to victory. I will never forget that twinkle in his eye and the sound of him coming down the hallways with all those keys jingling in his pockets !! He always had time to listen to his students and give advice. Thank you Mr Griffin for your dedication to your students! Go Rams Go!!

We have lost a great man, leader, and coach. My thoughts and prayers are with the Griffin family in their time of loss.  The following is for you Coach.

The Huddle - by Jovan Rados (x Hamilton Hurricane)

At first we were strangers when we met, from different backgrounds fine specimen, gladiators all.

As hours turned to days we practiced and competed. Amongst us there was intelligence, coordination, strength, laughter, speed, a cadence with one another, the bond was completed.

When our leader called us to formation the huddle was tight, each in our positions knowing what must be done, brothers one.

As time moved on and our families grew we lost touch with one another. Once in awhile crossing each other’s path. The bond is still there but the tales grow long and not exact of the brotherhood of men that once huddled in the past.

Our strength and memory now escape us as does our hair, but the brotherhood still echoes in the halls and our hearts for the passion of the game that we once shared.

The huddle now grows smaller as one by one we depart, but the brotherhood will not be broken, only our hearts. Do not cry for me, stay strong, hurt no more, until the final call is given and we huddle once more.

Godspeed, safe journey, I wish you well.

R.I.P. Coach Griff

OBITUARY

Dennis Fairfield Griffin

30 September, 1942 – 14 November, 2018

Markey-Dermody Funeral Home

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