Obituary of Claude Griffiths
We are saddened, but blessed to announce the peaceful passing of Claude Murray Griffiths of Norton in his 90th year at the Sussex Health Center on Feb 15th, 2024.
Born in Norton NB on March 19th, 1933. Claude was the son of the late John Stephen Griffiths and Bella Mae (Whitenect) Griffiths.
Claude was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman with an undying love of fishing, hunting and harness racing. Previously owning his own racehorses, it was always a favourite past time of his. A huge fan of baseball, he was sure to be sitting in his favourite place when the Blue Jays played. A man who loved a good home cooked meal and enjoyed everything that was set down in front of him. Always being appreciative to whomever happened to have made it.
Dad loved to tease and have fun with everyone. Never one to pass up and opportunity for a joke or to jump out from behind a door to scare someone. He had a booming laugh, most often triggered by his own life stories he told. He had an incredible memory to recite poems, jingles and limericks. Right up till his last days he fondly remembered every hunting or fishing trip or mill he worked at. Speaking so highly of every person he met or worked with. He could make lifelong friends in minutes, a tribute to the kind of man he was.
Claude spent more than 50 years in the sawmill business. Starting out in smaller mills in Rolling Dam, Wickham and the cedar mill in Norton before moving onto the JD Irving Sussex sawmill in 1972. He stayed with JD Irving up until his retirement in 2007 at the age of 75. He was able to see the world with the company and industry he loved so dearly. They claimed he could stand and listen to a sawmill running and know exactly what was wrong just by sound.
Truthfully, it would take an additional 90 years to tell his life story. He experienced so much over his well enjoyed lifetime.
Claude will live on in the hearts of his wife Della, his son Billy Griffiths of Norton and his daughter Tammy Guitard also of Norton. His beloved grandchildren Jillian Guitard of Saint John and Alex Guitard of Norton. His son in law Daniel Guitard of Saint John. Sisters in laws, Dorothy Campbell, Louise Cummings (Chris), Mary Ellen Snyder (Brian), Betty Whalen. His brothers in Law, Phil Cummings (Linda), Jack Cummings, Bill Miller. Several beloved nieces and nephews. All of which had a special place in his heart. Dad always said he had the best friends in the world, he always felt he was a lucky man to have met so many people and developed so many lasting friendships over the years.
Claude was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Walter (Laura) and Harry (Marina) Griffiths and his sister Jean Snyder (Warren),his sisters in law Honie Miller and Lois Cummings, his brothers in law William, Morty and Carlie Cummings, Ora Campbell and Richard Whalen. his mother-in-law Clara Cummings and his niece Donna (Snyder) Vallis.
Claude was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
A sincere thank you to the nurses and staff of 4A North Sussex Health Center who treated Dad so well in his final days. Special thank you to Dr Ray Butler for his outstanding care. We are forever grateful.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Sherwood’s Funeral Home (506-839-2156), 18 Scovil Road, Norton, NB. As per Claudes wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral. Donations in memory of Claude can be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association or to the Sussex Fish and Wildlife Association or the charity of the donor’s choice.
