Roger George Griffin
Obituary
Passed on September 16, 2020
May 11, 1942 – September 16, 2020
Words cannot fully express the profound sadness that surrounds this announcement of the passing of our husband, father and Papa, Roger Griffin. Roger passed away suddenly but peacefully at his home in Teulon the evening of September 16, 2020.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife and best friend of 52 years, Claudette, daughters Angele (Scott) and Cherise, and grandchildren Olivia and Abby, Desiree and Dominic. Also mourning this loss are Dad’s sisters, Ruth (Stewart McMahon), Evelyn (the late Walter Mohr) , Fern (Richard Nosaty), Joy (Nick Bodnar) and many nieces, nephews and friends he knew both personally and professionally.
Dad was born in Teulon to George and Rhoda (Brigg) Griffin. He grew up on the family farm just outside of town and attended Stacpoole School. By all accounts, he was an intensely shy boy growing up. As a young teen he left school to work on the farm but later in life as an adult, he returned to Teulon Collegiate to obtain his high school diploma. In 1968, Dad married his long-time sweet heart, Claudette Baron. He was adored by Mom’s parents, Leo and Lil, and was welcomed into the family and the family business. Dad eventually bought Leo’s business, creating Baron & Griffin Insurance Agency in Teulon, which he operated for 33 years. Dad also obtained his Real Estate License early on and began assisting Leo with sales at L.J. Baron Realty. Several years later, Mom joined Leo and Dad creating a truly family-operated business. Dad worked diligently ensuring the managerial side of the business was looked after and was instrumental in its ongoing success. He and Mom had an amazing partnership with complementing strengths. Dad thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people and helping them with their insurance and real estate needs. Every time we suggested it may be time to consider retirement he responded, “work keeps me young” and “I don’t feel my age”. The community of Teulon will feel his absence. There was always a wave and a smile when passing by. He loved his community, giving of his time volunteering with the Kinsmen Club, Volunteer Ambulance, the Chamber of Commerce and the Liliane Baron Breast Cancer Support Group. He continued playing hockey with the Old Timers well past his prime. The people and memories from these times enriched his life. Dad was the rock of our family. He was always the calm, reassuring and patient voice of reason throughout the trials and tribulations that our family has faced. He would do anything for us and never ask for anything in return. He adored and supported Mom at work and at home. Having spent so many years surrounded by the many special women in his life, Dad was especially grateful for his strong relationship with his son in law, Scott. His pride and love for his grandchildren was evident. They will cherish Papa Roger’s spontaneous phone calls, drop in visits and the regular teasing and jokes he threw their way. Dad loved trying new recipes, feeding family and friends, entertaining, working and relaxing with a glass of wine at our Norris Lake family cottage. His passion for the Jets and Bombers was evident each time we watched the games with him. Dad looked forward to regularly scheduled travels with Mom, friends and family. From Vegas and Palm Springs to exotic locales such as Vietnam, Morocco and Egypt, he savored these adventures. With travel plans now temporarily on hold, he finally got the convertible he’d been wanting for years and was looking forward to more cruising throughout Manitoba with Mom. Dad still had big plans for life but we are comforted in knowing he lived a fulfilled life of love surrounded by family, friends and the community he loved. Thank you, Dad. You checked all the boxes of what a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend should be. Due to covid-19, In lieu of a public funeral we ask anyone who wishes, to raise a glass of scotch, beer or wine in a toast to a life well lived. A private funeral is planned. If friends so desire, Donations in Dad’s memory can be mailed to the South Interlake Liliane Baron Breast Cancer Support Group, Box 10 Teulon MB R0C 3B0 Our family would like to extend special thank you to Ken Loehmer.
Comments
Claudette, My sincere condolences to you and your family. You both were a pleasure to work with. The love your family shared was evident and it was a pleasure to be with you all watching it grow. Roger always had time for spirited discussions and was open to new ideas allowing me to grow personally and professionally. He was a kind gentleman and one of a kind. I was blessed to have worked alongside him.
Gena Philpott
Our condolences to Claudette, Angele, Cherise, and families. Roger was someone everyone knew and always so happy. Hugs to you all at this sad time. RIP Roger
John and Lorraine McMahon
My heart goes out to you at this very difficult time. I always enjoyed any chance i had to share time with Roger. He was always kind considerate and happy to see me. I’ll miss him.
Debbie Skrabek
My deepest condolences. Hervig Ronovsky
Hervig Ronovsky
My condolences to Claudette and family!
Lorna Armstrong
Thinking of you, at this time of loss. My condolences.
Emily Stattin
My sincere condolences Claudette to you and the family
Nienke
Thoughts and prayers to Claudette and family on the sudden passing of Roger. His many contributions will not be forgotten. RIP Roger
Elaine Ronovsky
Our deepest condolences.
Kathy & Tarrant Rempel
So sorry to hear of Roger's passing, my condolences to the family. I have fond memories of working with Roger & Claudette.
Jane Huntington
My sincerest condolences on the passing of Roger. Anytime I ran into him , usually at a Jets game or in the grocery store, he always had a warm smile. So sorry for your loss. Tracy Barker
Tracy Barker
Our sincere condolences to Roger’s family. Roger was a very friendly person with a kind heart. He loved his family and his community. He was God’s Servant. RIP
Barrie and Jo-Anne Carman
Both Julian and I were shocked by the news of Roger, he was always friendly. He will be missed. Our prayers are with you all. Miriam & Julian Blahey
Miriam Blahey
My deepest condolences to the family In the loss of Roger. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Janet Bisch
So very sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts.
Barb Prescott
My deepest condolences to you Claudette and all of your family on the sudden loss of Roger.
Sarah Anslow
Our condolences! This is very sad and he will be missed! He always had a smile. I wish you guys all the love in this sad time. He will be missed.
Whytnie & Cameron
Condolences to Claudette and family.
Helen Corkett
Our sincere & deepest condolences to the Griffin family. 🙏🏻
Cassie-jo, Joanne, Candace, Michael Shadlock
Condolences to you Claudette, Angele, Cherise and your families. Roger’s kind smile and friendly hello will be missed by many.
Joel Marie
My deepest sympathy to you and yours
Pat Gilson
Our deepest condolences to all of Roger's family.
Dale & Lori Simcoe
My condolences to you're entire family Claudette. My thoughts are with you all.
Andrea Hancox
To Claudette and family, The loss of a Husband/Father/Grandfather is a significant and difficult time in your life. You may feel shock, anger, and grief often with different emotions at different times. Memories of Roger can never be taken away and will always be in your heart. It may seem like nothing can bring you comfort in this time of mourning and grief. God has provided Roger to you and now recalled him Home. Let God also be a source of comfort and peace. May knowing that friends, family and many others support and pray for you during your time of loss provide you with strength. Roger rest in peace; your time of toil is over on earth; God’s arms welcome you.
Leonard and Josie Lindley
Condolences to all the Family RIP 🙏 Roger
James Gray
Our sincere condolences to you Claudette and your family at this time for the sudden loss of Roger . Shari lee Slater Dwayne Cheadle and family
Sharilee Slater
I was so sad to hear of Rogers passing. My heart goes out to the Claudette and the entire family. Having worked at LJBaron for over 6 years, I have many fond memories of Roger. He was a kind,sweet soul who was always there to give advice and helpful tips on everything from car trouble to home renos. I learned many things from him about real estate and insurance. He was a fountain of information and we always admired how his mind was a steel trap that could remember the smallest details from 20 years ago. We had many lunches together that involved interesting discussions and spirited debates. He loved to be the devil's advocate! He would order his toasted denver sandwich-no cheese-for lunch and share half with Claudette even when she "wasn't hungry". Christmas staff parties were always warm and cozy...Roger preparing his famous egg nog. I will be forever grateful for having known him. Darren and I have you in our thoughts and prayers at this extremely difficult time.
Shari & Darren
Our sincere condolences to you Claudette and your family at this very sad time for the sudden loss of Roger.
Rod & Karen Krochenski
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