Desmond Anthony Griffith

Desmond was born on October 18th, 1936, in Guyana. He immigrated to Canada in 1968, where he worked as a labourer for General Electric, Alcan Foil and Duriron. After retirement he took pleasure in working as a crossing guard. Always frugal, there was nothing he thought could not be fixed, including 29 cent BIC pen.

He was a truly dedicated father to his children and a second father to many. He took great pride in his cooking skills – he loved to feed his family and friends. People especially remember his homemade beef patties, chili, wonton soup, cakes and fiery pepper sauce.

He was a very caring man and was always concerned for the well-being of those close to him. His daughters will miss their cars being warmed up in the winter and never having to fill their own wiper fluid. His grand-pup Rufus will miss his daily walks and extra meals and treats.

He enjoyed bowling, bingo, playing blackjack and watching his favourite baseball team, the Blue Jays (unless they were losing when he became a “switch hitter” and cheered on the Yankees). Desmond loved to dance and had the moves to back it up.

We will miss his words of wisdom – “A pennywise, pound foolish”, “All that glitters is not gold” and “A sharp tongue must bite”.

He is preceded in heaven by his father, Charles, his mother Elaine, his son Richard and his brother-in-law Leo.

He is survived by his two daughters Dianne (David), Michelle (Helmunt), his sisters Buelah and Joan, his nephews, Wade, Mark and John, his soul daughter, Tina, his former partner Sandra and his grand-pup Rufus.

His family wishes to extend a special thanks to the dedicated staff of the Michael Garron Hospital – Kew Beach.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Toronto would be appreciated.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at Giffen-Mack & Trull Funeral Home, located at 2570 Danforth Ave., Toronto, on December 6, 2025, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

Following the gathering, a Memorial Service will take place at the same venue, beginning at 2:00 pm.