Peacefully, surrounded by his family and friends, at Trillium Health Care Centre, Mississauga, on Sunday, July 23, 2017, Richard Griggs, Caledon, beloved husband of Cecylia Griggs. Loving father of Olivia. Remembered by his brother Brett and his family. Dear nephew of Meriam Douglas and Elizabeth Grant. Cousin of Earl, Brent, Nicholas and Jennifer.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) Thursday afternoon 2 – 5 o’clock. A Celebration of Life will be held in the chapel on Friday, July 28 at one o’clock. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, Bladder Research, 610 University Avenue, Toronto M5G 2M9. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Edward Stickland
Dear Richard I am so glad for the memories we made old and new. From grade one at Oakridge public school , to science night at Pharmacy pool hall , from our weddings to the thousand island cruise I recently enjoyed with you, Ceycelia and Olivia which I will remember fondly for the rest of my life. Farewell my dear friend until we laugh again. Sonny
Cam Sambourne
Richard enjoyed umpiring baseball games, and his very straight forward, no nonsense, honest approach to umpiring, reflected his personality. He was known by all his baseball friends , as ” Ritchie”, very well liked and respected. Once you questioned or disagreed, with his umpiring calls , he would eject you, from the game ,with a wide grin, and wink of his eye.
Richard was a wonderful ,loving husband ,and father, and a loyal friend.
Rest in peace, Ritchie , and thank you for your friendship.
Jeannie Griggs
Farewell Richard may the god of all comfort .Be very near and dear to you all in your time of loss , go with gods speed
The Griggs family in Toronto. Jeannie, Jeff, Scott
Will Norton, President, Ontario Chapter SDC
Dear Cecylia, Olivia and family,
Very sorry to hear about Richard’s passing as it was always nice to sit down and talk to him at all of the Studebakers meets or events that we both attended over the years. As our Secretary Treasurer for over 21 years he
was a very dedicated Committee member for the Ontario Chapter and also the SDC. He will be greatly missed but will be remembered for his friendly manner and willing to help others in need. On behalf of all members of the Ontario Chapter SDC I wish to extend our deepest sympathy & condolences to you and all of your family members.
Mike Emmerich
Always the happy Studebaker vendor, quick with a smile and handshake, always addressing me as Michael. I always looked forward to seeing him at shows and meets as he always had a story to share. RIP my dear friend. My condolences to Cecylia and family.
Keith Butler
Ceycilia
At this moment, i want to offer my sincere condolences to you and your daughter: Richie and I have known each other for many years and even though in the last 10-20 years we may have not met or talked, I did think of many special times with him. I wish you and your family happiness and peace during this time
Keith Butler
Tom Sullivan
Goodbye to a good umpire and a great man. Richard would always ask how I and my family were doing and was quick to compliment a play on the diamond. He was humble, kind, firm, and fair. I am so sorry for this loss, but appreciate the time that I got to spend with Richard. He faced this last battle courageously and privately, living and dying with dignity. I will miss Richard, as will many, many players in the Caledon Softball League.
John Patrick, President of Caledon Men's Softball League
Offering my condolences on behalf of the Caledon Men’s Softball league. Genuine and forthright, Richard would always ask how my family was doing before our softball games and truly cared about your well being. Richard will be missed for his kindness, professionalism, being a true gentleman and long time friend to the league. Our deepest sympathies to Cecylia and the family during this difficult time.
Mike and Paula Smith
Cecylia and Olivia we are so sorry to hear of Richie’s passing, we are so glad we got you both up to the cottage last year. We will remember Richie having great conversations over the years at our International dinners and lots of laughs.
He will be missed. Our thoughts go out to you both.
Paul Harding
I am saddened to hear of Richard’s sudden passing. Many of us in the Caledon Men’s Softball League were unaware of the terrible ailment he was suffering from.
As a catcher, I had the privilege of working closely with him. He was a man who was genuinely concerned with your well being. We would often trade barbs, but always had respect for each other, as he showed respect for the game and the players.
I believe we all shared that sentiment.
I wish to send my heartfelt condolences to his family at this difficult time.
He will be sorely missed.
Al McMullen
I was saddened to hear of Richard’s passing. He was a true friend and a great guy to umpire with. He worked many Fast Pitch games in Caledon East for me and the Tottenham Umpire’s Association for many years. He will be missed by all of us in the Baseball Leagues he worked with.
Bob and Janice Barrick
Richard was always a good Studebaker friend , we always enjoyed seeing and talking to him at all the meets we went to . Richard always amazed us how he could remember everyone’s name even if he only met someone just once . RIP good friend
Roland and Susan Lusted
Cecylia and Olivia, our sincere condolences for your loss. Roly last spoke to Richard at Badenoch and is glad that he did speak with him there. Roly always looked forward to seeing Richard at the various swap meets which he attended. We know that in the Studebaker world, Richard will be missed.
Kevin ,Della Mullett
Dear Cecylia,I can not express my shock & grief on Richards passing we have been friends for over 30 years & Della & I will miss him greatly.Our most sincere condolances
Steve Wohleber,
So sad to hear of Richard’s passing. He will certainly be missed by all of his Studebaker and Avanti friends. A great guy and always had a good storey or two and to pass along. Our thoughts, memories and prayers are with his family.
Steve Wohleber, on behalf of the Canadian Avanti Owners Association.
Cliff Tattersall
Sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. I always enjoyed his banter and smiling face.
Cliff and Brenda Tattersall
Jim and Barbara Anderson
Cecylia and Olivia, Richard was a warm and welcoming person. I will miss his greeting at various Studebaker get togethers. We are sorry to hear of his passing.
jeff gould
5 or 6 years ago I showed up for game one & met ‘the new umpire’. Richie was approachable & friendly right from the start. I asked him where he’d umped(?) in the past. Turns out he umpired at Topham Park in East York where I used to go watch my father play. Richie remembered not only my dad but many of his teammates. I recognized him before he got the words ‘Topham Park’out. Because of his warm & genuine nature, I remembered him from 35-40 yrs ago. Since that day, Richie & I always talked vacations more than anything. He loved his time down south with his family & he would always ask about my next or most recent trip to FLA. He would also always ask about my dad, which I really appreciated. Richie cared. Richie cared about a lot of guys in the league as we care for him. The Caledon Men’s League is not as good today as it was last week. Richie, you will be missed. Jeff Gould
Stu & Thelma Chapman
We were both shocked and saddened when we learned of Richard’s passing. Our memories together in the Studebaker world go back over three decades. His cheerful and always friendly personality will be sorely missed by the many Studebaker owners who were customers of Richard at the scores of swap meets at which he was a vendor. Rest in peace good friend.
Mike O'Hearn
I was very sorry to hear of Ritchie’s passing. I first met Rich years ago when he was a regular umpire in The Dieppe Major Fastball League in Toronto. After that I often ran into him in various tournaments around Southern Ontario. He always greeted me with a warm smile and a sincere ” How are you”? On behalf of the Toronto Barracks Legends Fastball Club, many of whom would have played in games umpired by Rich, please accept our sincere condolences.
Michelle Rushton
I was so very sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. I knew Richard thru work (and he was the BEST) and we will so miss his charming personality and big smiles. His presence will definitely be missed. Such a wonderful man he was!
Maria Canito
I am so sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. Richard and I were co-workers at the DOJ for many years. He was always polite, respectful and had a great sense of humor. Pease accept my heartfelt condolences. May the memories you have shared be your comfort in this sad and difficult time.
Bob and Lorna Shapton
Cecylia and Olivia; We were surprised and very much saddened to learn of Richard’s passing. We will always remember his cheerful teasing and friendly big-hearted banter. We offer you our sincere condolences and pray for your strength to carry on. Your friends and neighbours, Bob and Lorna.
Norma Latsonas
I was very sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. I first worked with him back in 1982 when I first started at the Department of Justice in the TD Centre. He was always very polite and professional. My condolences to his family. He will be sorely missed.
Laura Cosentino
I knew Richard through his work at the Department of Justice and will miss his smiling face. He was always so kind, respectful and constantly professional. He always asked about the family and was very proud of his daughter. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Seonaid Blackwood Lotta
I got to know Richard through his work as a process server. Nothing was ever too difficult or impossible for Richard to do. More importantly, he was a genuinely kind human being. My condolences to the family.
Elaine Bill
Richard and I worked together at the DOJ for many years and what an odd couple we made, he was so tidy and neat and me, well, not so much. Despite our differences we laughed together, poked fun at each other and generally had a wonderful time working together. Always a gentleman and a kind soul. I remember when he met his beautiful wife Cecylia. He was totally smitten. He told me about his trip to Poland and how much he enjoyed meeting her family. Then of course came Olivia, the apple of his eye. A more doting father you could not find. Cecylia and Olivia please take comfort in the fact that you were both much loved. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Richard will be remembered fondly by all who crossed his path.
Terry and Peggy Sutton
Dear Cecylia and Olivia,
Peggy and I offer our sincerest condolences to you both on the passing of Richard. I truly wish I could be in Bolton with you for his Celebration of Life on Friday. May your abiding faith in the Lord Jesus Christ carry you through this difficult time.
God, Bless, Terry S.
Carla Riley Green
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Richard was a great person, dependable and reliable. I worked with Richard at the Department of Justice. We always spoke about our families especially the children. He told me about Olivia’s skating and I told him about my daughter’s hockey. Every meeting was a pleasure. We were all lucky to have known him. God bless you all.
Melissa Szmik
May your smile never be forgotten and your kind words and attention always be remembered.
My Condolences to the Griggs family.
Rest in Paradise Richard.
Jeff Jackson
Richard or “Ritchie” known to us in the Caledon Men’s Softball Leauge will be missed. His personality, charisma and spirit for the game is unmatched by any person.
Forever I will remember his famous line ” I ump as good as you play….horrible”!
I am thankful to have met such a kind, caring and thoughtful individual.
Mike Mohun
Remember Rich with fond memories umpiring in Dieppe and Davisville parks. Always a gentleman and treated all with respect.
Michelle Julfs
I am saddened to hear of Richard’s passing. I have known Richard thru my whole career and I made sure to call him no matter where I worked. I always knew Richard would get the job done. He was kind, patient and respectful. He was an incredible listener and always had a story to tell. Conversations with him could be endless. I remember complaining to him about all the car parts we were finding buried in our backyard, turns out he knew the previous owner from the Studebaker club, such a small world and so far as I can tell Richard knew everyone… He will be missed. My sincere condolences to his family.
Lori Hendriks
Cecylia and Olivia, My deepest condolences to you, may you find comfort both now and always. When I joined Justice Richard was a process server who did work for the Department. He was a pleasure to work with, and totally reliable serving documents sometimes in distant locations and in complicated circumstances. He knew everyone’s name, was always cheerful and always engaged me in pleasant conversation. Years later I bumped into him at the wedding of Darren and Jessica and he was just the same. Always a gracious and lovely gentleman. May he rest in peace.
Jojo Fornier
My sincerest condolences to all of Richard’s family. I got to know Richard when I started working at the Department of Justice in 2009. He was doing much of our process serving needs. Richard was a true professional and a wonderful gentleman and I am very sad that he has left us. Rest in Peace, Richard, and may your spirit be forever free and joyful.
Pauline Frew
I am very sad to hear of the passing of Richard, a man I’ve known since the early 1990’s working at the Department of Justice and the Public Prosecution Service of Canada. He was always smiling, always had a story to tell, very respectful and truly a person you could rely on. He is a beautiful person with a very kind soul. He will truly be missed! My deepest sympathies to the Griggs family in this very difficult time. Please know that his love for you is eternal and he will forever be watching over you.
James Doyle
As a former member of the Caledon Men’s Softball League, both as a player and Executive member, I echo the sentiments of all the league members who will miss Richie. Always one to trade barbs with the less than talented players, he was kind, considerate, professional and was truly interested in your well being and that of your family. I offer mine and Lisa’s deepest sympathy’s to the Griggs family on Richie’s passing. You were truly special.
Tracy Urquhart
My deepest condolences to Richard’s family. I knew Richard through work at Justice and he was always a delightful person to bump into – cheerful, warm, sincere and sweet. I only have the very best memories of him and am very sorry to hear of his passing. He was such a gentleman.
Dalila Sousa
My sincere condolences for your loss. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Richard was a very kind, hard working and dependable individual. He always went out of his way to assist us at PPSC. I new I could always count on him. He will be missed by us all.
Lorraine Barbisan & Family
Cecylia, I am shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Richard. My deepest sympathy to you and Olivia. Richard answered the phone the last time I called you and I was surprised that he remembered me. He was a very polite and kind gentleman and I can see by the messages being left on this page that he had many good friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Scott Warwick
I began work at the Department of Justice in the late 1990s. I never worked directly with Richard, but our paths would often cross in the hallways. He always was always cheerful and always took time to say “hello” and ask after me. Many knew Richard better than I, but I knew enough to know he was a kind person.
Judy storm
My deepest condolences to Richards family and Sonny. I knew Richard in the early seventies and knew him to be a faithful friend. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing last July.