Michael Brent Griffin

December 9, 1942 – December 28, 2021

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Brent Griffin at the age of 79 in Stony Plain, Alberta. He is predeceased by his parents William and Muriel Griffin. Michael is survived by his loving partner Norma Rivers, his son Michael W. (Dragana), granddaughter Kara, Norma’s sons Clint Rivers (Susan) and Patrick Rivers, his sister Jane-Anne, and family located in Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan.

Michael was born in England in 1942. His father was a Canadian soldier and his mother, an English nurse. After the war ended in 1945, Michael’s family moved to Canada and settled in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Michael joined the Canadian Army in 1961 and began his career with the military as a crewman in a Centurion tank. He served in armoured regiments across Canada including the Fort Garry Horse, the Royal Canadian Dragoons, and the 8th Canadian Hussars. He participated in peacekeeping missions in Cyprus and Egypt, and he was stationed with the Canadian Army in Germany. In Germany, Michael flew as a navigator with the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps’ CH-112 Nomad helicopter reconnaissance troop, and back in Canada, he flew again, this time as a navigator in Kiowa helicopters with the 427 Squadron, a Tactical Helicopter Squadron located in Petawawa, Ontario. After 28 years, he retired from the military as a Master Warrant Officer with the Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) where he served as ‘B’ Squadron’s Sergeant Major. For the next 17 years, Michael continued to work as a civilian at the military base in Wainwright, Alberta.

Ever since he was a small boy, Michael was an avid reader. Michael enjoyed fishing and camping throughout his life, and in his later years, he gardened. He was also a lifelong devoted pet owner who adored his cats and dogs. Michael loved swapping stories, joking and enjoying a good laugh with people he was closest to. Some of the fondest memories are being with him as he told stories from his experiences in the army many of which would make everyone roar with laughter. Michael, as a family member or a friend, or as a soldier that served with you at some point, we raise our glasses with you one last time as we remember all the good times we had together: Cheers! You will be missed.

To the staff at the WestView Health Centre working in the Continuing Care Services, Hospice Unit, thank you all for your care, kindness and support you provided to Michael and his family.

There will be no service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alberta Cancer Foundation.