Hugh Godfrey Griffith

Hugh was born to Ronald and Joan Griffith on March 28, 1936 in South Croydon, in the district of Surrey, GBR. Hugh was the fourth of five sons and the last surviving. His Father was an electrical engineer in the telecommunications industry and immigrated the family to Canada - settling in the suburb of Mount Royal, Montreal, Québec after the 2nd World War.

Hugh attended the University of New Brunswick (UNB) and graduated as a civil/structural engineer in 1961. He delivered the valedictorian address – finishing top of his class. It was during his studies at UNB that he joined the Canterbury Club, “The Anglican Church on Campus”, where he met Ada Adaliene Burtchael. According to Up The Hill, the 1961 UNB yearbook, “Hugh leaves us with both a degree and a wife!”

His career took him and his family across Canada, from Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver. He started as a field engineer and he completed his career as Vice President of a Canadian-wide general contracting company, retiring at the remarkable age of 50. Hugh’s milestone projects included the Commerce Court, Toronto and the Bearspaw Water Treatment Plant, Calgary.

Hugh’s life was devoted to his Christian faith and his family. He gave of his time, talents and treasures. He made significant contributions to the fabric of his church communities and volunteer organizations. He was a Sunday school teacher, youth group leader, church warden and mentor for many young people. He was involved with the Prison Ministry and the Neighbourhood Ministry serving meals for the most vulnerable. He was a volunteer ambulance attendant on Pender Island, delivered Meals on Wheels and worked in many community gardens. He had a love of classical music as a VSO season ticket holder. He loved to run throughout his life and continued to maintain his healthy lifestyle as he aged.

Hugh was predeceased by his loving wife of 42 years, Ada Adaliene Burtchael (1933-2002). He will be deeply missed by his children, Patrick Griffith (Lorie) and Philip Griffith (Colette), grandchildren; Heather, Leah and Benjamin and great grandchildren; Brooklynn, Claire, Ryker, and Jaxon.

The funeral and celebration of the Eucharist honouring Hugh’s life takes place on Monday, Nov 6, 2023, at 11:00 am at Saint John’s Shaughnessy Anglican Church, 1490 Nanton Ave, Vancouver, BC. All are invited.

It will also be livestreamed for those who cannot make it in person – found here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJzbg4009j4WMkaRBvTE-zQ?sub_confirmation=1

Our Family thanks the staff at Arbutus Long Term Care Centre for the level of care and dignified compassion they showed Hugh. They truly became part of Hugh’s life, and we are also grateful for the kindness extended to our family during Hugh’s residence of three and a half years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en

“My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.” Job 42:5

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hamiltonharronfunerals.com for the Griffith family.