GRIFFIN, Alexander Mackenzie (Sandy)

GRIFFIN, ALEXANDER MACKENZIE (SANDY)

    November 4, 1931 - November 16, 2024

Sandy died peacefully on Saturday, November 16 at the age of 93.

He was a man of great joy with a passion for all life. He was a superb painter of landscapes and of the world around him. Despite being severely handicapped by a stroke when he was 74, he enjoyed to the very end (!) singing and harmonizing tunes, oldies, and carols in his room at Symphony Senior Living in Kanata. He welcomed visitors to sing with him, his voice strong and true right up to the Sunday before his passing.

Before his stroke, Sandy would play the piano with gusto! His original stride-style compositions would fill the room with exciting pulsating rhythms and humorous lyrics.

Sandy was also an avid fly-fisherman. He spent many happy hours looking for that dramatic strike by a wily trout or a savage pike.

He was also a very capable hockey player who had been scouted by professional teams while he was a youth. He joined the Navy and displayed his on-ice talents at his various postings, especially at the Churchill Manitoba base.

Sandy was pre-deceased by his beloved companion, Sussi Holst, and by his father Gilbert, his mother Catherine (Nee Woywitka), his brother John, and his sisters Nonnie, Catherine, and Mary.

He is survived by his brothers William (Bill), Anthony (Tony), Patrick, and Hugh (Huffy), and by his sister Teresa (Tita).

He will be missed by his many nieces and nephews who will cherish the memory of his fun-loving and gentle teasing that never failed to evoke smiles and laughter from them.

Another legacy that we all will remember with joy is the fabulous pen and ink drawings that he created during the many world trips that he went on with Sussi. They are truly remarkable.

The people that he worked with at Leitrim will recall the exquisite cartoons that he would create for those colleagues who were retiring. These works of art were universally cherished and valued.

Memories of Sandy will keep him alive in our hearts.

We will miss him greatly!

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

The date will be announced on this obituary site when it becomes available.

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May God give you the strength and the courage to overcome these difficult times. May this message bring you the testimony of a profound and sincere sympathy. To help you forget these sad hours, may our thoughts bring you comfort and serenity. Although flowers wither, die and disappear, their precious perfume remains. Like these bright flowers, those we love never die, they remain with us forever imprinted in our memories. There are no words to express how much we are devastated by the loss you live. We just hope that our sympathy will bring you some relief.

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6 messages received

Pat, Huffy and the Griffin family

I want to express my sincere sympathy at the passing of Sandy. You used the word “joy” to describe him. I can’t think of a better one. Even my family members who didn't know him well, remarked on his good humour and kindness. He was a most wonderful loving and fun companion to Sussi. My home is full of items that reflect on them both and I cherish them all. I hope your wonderful memories of him bring you all peace. Alice Holst and the late Emil Holst.

Alice Holst, November 30, 2024

Sandy's siblings

I am so grateful to be a part of this tribute and sending love to Sandy on his next journey. I cherished the time spent with Sandy on my visits with the girls, and as I mentioned to Tita, never stopped laughing when Sandy was joining us...he brought such huge light and joy to the heart as it was constant and filled with love on his part. He knew what he was doing when bringing joy to people's heart. God bless him forever and yes forever will he be in our hearts

Diana Griffin, November 30, 2024

Sandy Griffin

That picture truly captures the impish side of Sandy that everyone fell in love with. He was 8 years older than myself and I got to know Sandy in Aylmer when he would amaze us with his jazz piano interpretations. Later when my 2 young boys Tim and Matthew got to spend time with Sandy at his cottage where he introduced them to a kindling contest which they remember to this day.
Sandy was very special and was loved by all he came in contact with.

Safe journey Sandy, you are missed
Ken






Ken

Ken MacKay, December 1, 2024

My dear stepfather Pat and his wonderful family

Those endlessly smiling eyes, dabbed with a devilish sparkle of mischief (a Griffin quality to be sure)!
Such verve for life and laughter balanced between peaceful pursuits and raucous rejoicing and merriment.
What a full life lived and joy left in the hearts of so many. Though maybe a few toes stepped on along the way to bringing a song or story to life;).
So many fond memories to fill the hearts of those near and dear to him. Wishing all his wonderful brothers and sisters the joy of laughter, song and spirited remembrance of a wonderfully unique man.

Heather (daughter of Pat and Angela)., December 1, 2024

Tita Griffin

Dear Tita
Thank you so much for sending me the link for Sunday's obituary. I much appreciated that. I have very fond memories of Sandy dating back to when I was a child. We all loved him because he was fun and funny! He used to blow into his cupped hand and make the sound of a trumpet! How did he do that?
Please send me the date of his Memorial which I would like to attend but probably will not be able to make it.
Sending you all very much love and my sympathies,
xo
Ann

Ann McCall, December 2, 2024

Pat, Huffy and the Griffin family

I would like to let everyone know how lucky I was to meet Sandy. I remember meeting him for the first time I was about 13. He always made me feel welcomed in to the family. I remember when we went out to do bird watching together he would let me know about the difference between the birds. I still remember his big smile while he song at parties and Will miss him dearly.

Victor

Victor Nemoudri, December 6, 2024