OBITUARY
Joseph "Tony" Anthony Griffi
Passed away on August 2, 2020
It is with broken hearts that the family of Tony Griffi announce his sudden passing on August 2nd, 2020 at the age of 53.
Tony was born in 1967 a loving son to Joe & Patricia Griffi. Raised in Stratford, Ontario, Tony began his life path as a golf professional at the Stratford Country Club proudly working his way up the ranks from the back shop to golf professional. His career would take him on to positions throughout Canada ending at Gilwood Golf Club in Slave Lake, Alberta. Tony's contagious smile and drive as a professional are what made everyone he met remember him fondly as a friend. He was never referred to as "the head pro" but rather lovingly as "our head pro"
Tony met his wife of 20 years Kitty and her sons Paul (PJ), Randy, and Michael during his time in the Windsor area.
He is survived by his wife Kitty Griffi of Alberta Beach; three sons Paul (Angela), Randy (Nicole), and Michael (Kayli); six grandchildren, Nolan, Destiny, Traiven, Jordan, Brooklyn, and Hudson; two brothers Lee Griffi (Cindy) and Peter Bayer (Cheryl); and 7 nieces and nephews, Caitlin, Mitchell, Morgan, Brady, Blakely, Dana, and Justin.
A Celebration of Tony's Life will be held on Saturday, August 8th, 2020 at 3pm at his home in Alberta Beach. A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, August 14th, 2020 at 1pm at Avondale Cemetery in Stratford, Ontario.
DONATIONS
- Heart and Stroke
Memories
Joseph "Tony" Anthony Griffi
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYCheryl Kochan
August 13, 2020
I met Tony when he was the Pro at Trestle Creek Golf Course. We entered into a few of the tournaments he organized. He added a touch of class to all he took part in-staff in tuxedos, including himself, tablecloths on the outside snack tables laden with such goodies as the chocolate fountainn. He enjoyed entertaining, his energy contagious. Last month I had the pleasure of playing in my first Slave Lake tournament & I was thrilled to see Tony there. As in all previous events, he played a huge role in making the tournament a memorable one! I am so sorry for your loss-it is a huge one. His booming voice, amazing organizational skills & beautiful smile will be forever etched in my memory of him.
Denis and Marg Dumont
August 11, 2020
Kitty and Family
Our sincere condolences to you and your family Kitty. We are so sorry to hear of Tony. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Denis and Marg
Craig Harrison
August 10, 2020
Kitty and family
My condolences to you and the family on the passing of Tony.
Mr. Griffi was my first boss when I entered into the PGA at Sutton Creek.
He taught me so many things that I still use today. The one that stands out the most was he always wanted you to acknowledge anybody who walked into the pro shop no matter if you had another customer by at least giving them a hello or wave until you could help them. He wanted you to make them feel like they were on a mini vacation at the club and could put any stress in their life behind them while at the club. Tony made people feel special when they walked through the door.
He was a respected and well liked PGA of Canada member.
He will surely be missed by many people.
RIP Mr. Griffi
Robert Rousselle
August 10, 2020
To the family of Tony Griffi,
Please accept our deepest sympathy and condolences from the PGA of Alberta and all our Professional Members. We send this message to let you know that we are thinking of you and share your grief of the beloved family member.
Sincerely,
PGA of Alberta
Allan Cruickshanks
August 10, 2020
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Tony's untimely death. Tony was our head professional at Sutton Creek Golf Club, near Windsor, for many years, and we have many happy memories of him. We both took lessons from Tony, and they were the best golf lessons we have ever had. My wife especially enjoyed it when Tony was the consummate Maitre d and specialty drinks server for the ladies' events. We will always remember his engaging smile, and how he addressed us as sir and ma'am.
Our condolences to Kitty and family.
Rest in peace, Tony.
Allan and Janet Cruickshanks
Margo Harrison
August 9, 2020
Tony and I started the Saw Ladies Classic golf tournament which raised over $24,000 dollars donated to local charities. He was wi derful to work with. Always helpful and kind. I remember his approach when starting the prize give outs....at the top of his voice..." HELLOO LADIES!". Dennis and I are sad to lose this friend. Rest in peace Tony.
Lee &Patty Twinn
August 9, 2020
Sending big hugs to family such a great honor to know ,Tony was always smiling n great sense of humor. Tony brought life back to Gilwood Golf n Country just to know him just a short time was n still is a privilege gonna miss ya some hard shoes to fill our friend till we meet again.♥️🙏
Bradlee Ryall
August 8, 2020
One of the best guys I have ever met in the golf industry! A true gentlemen and super fun to be around. Many amazing memories from Jasper Park Lodge days! Kitty- lots of love and prayers to you and your family. Rest In Peace Tony. ❤️
David Grad
August 8, 2020
I was taken aback upon hearing of Tonys passing today. Hard to believe. It was because of Tony that i got back into golf. The first time i walked into the pro shop at Sawmill there was Tony with his hand outstreched with a big smile a a big welcome. Something Tony always did when he would see you. He always made you feel welcome. My wife enjoyed the special dinner events he would host with Kitty at the club such as Valentines dinner. It was always nice to see Tony when he would visit Sawmill when Paul Dumont was still there. Tony will be missed by many I am sure.
Cathy Burton
August 8, 2020
My condolences to Tony’s family. May all the memories you made over the years bring you great comfort.
With sympathy from a fellow PGA of Canada member.
Joanne Nordbye
August 8, 2020
My memory of Tony was his charming smile, his professionalism ,and how he brought class to our club. A big hug for the family and remember his smile when times are hard.
Cheryl Bast
August 8, 2020
A poem for my Bro, Tony
By my side
A joyous noise
A voice through the screen
Yo Bro,
"Come into the Batcave", we say
The kitchen table overwhelmed with celebration upon your arrival
Music and laughter ringing in the house
Loving life
A call in the dark
Hearing everything
Understanding nothing
Craving that joyous noise just one more time
Searching for relief of the misery that ensues
Trying to understand
Tony would have understood
Reflecting on life
Tony's in my reflection
Listening to Irish Music
Tony's there doing a jig
Enjoying the taste of a fine sauce
Tony's smiling
He is everywhere
But he is no-where
Our souls are lost
Tony's soul is free to soar
Soar in and out of our souls
Constantly touching us
Never to be forgotten
Always remembered
For he is part of us
Pete and Cheryl
Nicky & Dori Cotter
August 8, 2020
Our condolences to Kitty and family at this sad time. We were summer visitors to Sawmill Creek for many years and remember Tony’s good humor and patience giving a golf lesson. RIP Tony.
Art & Jan Kreeft
August 7, 2020
Tony,
We will always remember you as the heart & soul of Sawmill Creek. You touched so many people within your circles that’ll always be mindful of you. Our hearts and prayers go out to family Kitty, Paul and Ang.
Caring,
The Kreefts
Lori and (Jumbo) Jim Myerscough
August 7, 2020
Jim met Tony when he coached his hockey team, he later began to hang out with Tony and later Pete. We as a group, became quite close and had many a wonderful time together. Tony was the best man at our wedding and Godfather of our oldest daughter, Tony was the one who gave our girls their very first set of golf clubs when they were three and four years old. We visited Tony at Sutton Creek when our girls were small, it was there he gave them their first golf lessons as well that trip. Tony was kind hearted, quiet yet BIG in every way, he always outdid himself always. We loved him like a brother, and uncle we will miss him always and love him forever. Our condolences to his family. He will be missed.
Dawn Van Vlack
August 7, 2020
My sincere condolences to Kitty and the rest of the Griffi family.
I have fond memories of Tony from my days at Sutton Creek with my late husband Mike.
Mike loved and respected Tony.
He was a great guy and like Mike gone far too soon.
Kitty, my heart goes out to you now and the days to come. All the best!
Sincerely,
Dawn Van Vlack
laura dwernichuk
August 7, 2020
I am so sorry to hear that Tony has passed away. He was a lovely man and I will miss my visits with him. Please accept my deepest condolences on your unimaginable loss. Sincerely, Dr. Laura Dwernichuk, O. D.
Virginia Joyes
August 7, 2020
My sincere condolences to Tony's family, Kitty, Lee, Pete and Cheryl, Jumbo and Lori. May you be strong through your sorrow and remember his love for all of you and watches over you...and keeps you safe. May he be at peace. I am so sorry for your loss. He did amazing things in his lifetime!!
Mike Guzik
August 7, 2020
Tony,
You were one of a kind. A gentle, honest soul willing to help at anytime. You taught my daughter to golf when she was 12 and made it fun to learn. The world needs more like you in every profession. We'll miss you!
Linda Martini
August 7, 2020
Pat & I met Tony (and Kitty)at Sawmill Creek, when he was Food and Beverage Manager ( I think his second love after golf) and what a great job he did. Tony always had a smile and hug for everyone, took care of every situation the only way Tony could with grace and tact. He will be surely missed. Sending prayers and thoughts to the family.
Pat Field & Linda Martini
Deborah Lumley
August 7, 2020
Oh dear. Such sad news. Condolences to his family members. Tony was such a great person. I remember Sawmill Club Championship Days and his fancy suits. My trophy picture with Tony still hangs on my wall in my classroom. It always takes me back to great memories and fun. . He was always so proud of his golf course. I will always remember when I was ill he got me a brand new club and head cover. He was so kind. He shared joy with so many people. I’m smiling just thinking about him. May you forever be chasing golf balls, Tony.
Tom and Mary Lou Tom and Mary Lou O’BRIEN
August 7, 2020
Our deepest condolences to Kitty and her family Tony was our head pro when I was at Sutton Creek I probably without a doubt was “the worst “golfer there but he always made me feel like I could win the club championship just to make me feel good even though I knew it was farther from the truth Lol he had the nicest smile after He left Sutton Creek and went to Sawmill Creek near Sarnia Mary Lou and I stopped in just to say hello to him he was that kind of a guy he always made you feel good God bless him and his family Tom and Mary Lou O’BRIEN RIP
Larry and Diana bertrand
August 7, 2020
We met Tony during his tenure at Sutton Creek in the Windsor area. What a nice person he was! Always had a smile for everyone and he had the ability to make you feel there was hope for your golf game! Our sincere condolences go to his family!
Mary Ewet
August 6, 2020
Kieth and I were so very to hear of Tony's passing. What a wonderful person, man, and pro he was at Sutton Creek. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Take care.
Randy McQueen
August 6, 2020
My greatest memories of Tony are my teenage years and into my early twenties growing up at Sutton Creek Golf and Country Club. Tony came to the club and moved into the clubhouse where I had just previously lived with my family while my step father was building the course. Tony had the greatest album collection and he was always fun to be around at the club. He ran a fun junior program and I can remember the Tuesday junior league like it was yesterday. I am very luck to have had Tony as an early mentor and special friend. He will forever have a special place in my heart. He has installed in me and many others the true side of how to act like a gentleman and true professional in golf.
Randy McQueen
Boyd Kelham
August 6, 2020
Tony,
There are too many memories to choose just one. I’m gonna miss you so much. Your personality is infectious. Your positivity is contagious. What you’ve done for Gilwood, none of us can thank you enough. We will do our best to honor your legacy.
I’m gonna miss you my friend.
‘Till we meet again.
B
Stephen Ross
August 6, 2020
Words can not describe the pain and emptiness I feel with the loss of my brother-in-law and most importantly a dear friend. From day one of our lives crossing paths Tony and I shared a special bond! I am blessed to have enjoyed special times with such a soul as Tony..
To say you’ll be missed my friend is an understatement. Tony thank you for touching my soul!!!
Carol Fritzley
August 6, 2020
Where do I start he was an incredible person and so great to work with when I was running the ladies league at Sawmill Creek He was so supportive and helpful and always had a smile and a hug .my heart goes out to Kitty and the family May the love and support of family and friends help you in the days ahead Hugs your friend Carol Fritzley 💖💖
Janelle Charlebois
August 6, 2020
Uncle Tony,
You make me laugh. Barefoot and cross legged. You would talk in such a soft voice and say “hi Janelle” and give the strongest bear hug. You are an amazing man to the family we share. The parties will seem a bit quieter, but your memories with us will stay so loud. Never will I ever forget you. Your smile will be missed.
Andrew Godwin
August 6, 2020
Tony’s love for the game was infectious and you couldn’t help but be happy when you were around him. I watched him navigate with great tact and understanding, situations at Sawmill that only he could calm down and bring a voice of reason to.
“Welcome to Club Championship Weekend” was always something I looked forward to hearing. Tony loved teaching the youngsters and his lessons are still used today. Tanner and his friends still take off their hats in any clubhouse, remove their caps and shake hands with their fellow players. All lessons in the honour of the game he loved. Tony and m sure will be missed by all but those who he would have taught those lessons will miss him the most.
Sherri and I send our deepest condolences and want you all to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this devastating time.
Tony we will meet again!
Robert Howard
August 6, 2020
Tony was a great guy, always had a laugh and treated everyone with respect. His passing was a huge shock to me. May his family be at peace