With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Stephen Joseph Griffith in Kamloops, BC in his fiftieth year.
Husband and best friend of Sydney Griffith (nee Quinn), proud father of Skye and Fraser, Steve is survived by his parents Harold and Claudia Griffith of London, Ontario, his aunt JoAnn Katzer of Webster City, Iowa, his sister Patty (Tom Stuart), brothers David (Kathleen) and Chris (Megan) and by thirteen wonderful nieces, nephews and great-nieces/nephews.
Born in Kenora, Ontario, Steve graduated from Beaver Brae Secondary School. In 1986, Steve completed his Jazz Studies at Humber College in Toronto before serving with the Canadian Forces School of Music (CFMUS) in Camp Borden, Ontario.
After being posted to the Naden Band in CFB Esquimalt, Steve and Syd married in December 1989 and eventually settled in Kamloops where Steve performed and taught saxophone, clarinet and flute at World of Music and Long & McQuade. Steve's love of music and his improvisational talents shone as part of many ensembles including: Western Canada Theatre, The Kamloops Symphony, numerous choral ensembles, Too Fat to Fly, SGHQ, Baaad Dog, The Mob, and The Chill. His passion for Jazz and its derivatives encouraged Steve to successfully produce and broadcast his own radio program on 92.5 FM "The X".
Steve established and designed the internationally renowned School District 73 "District Jazz" initiative, which brings advanced Jazz Improvisational Studies to high school students. This unique program continues to inspire young musicians in the BC Interior.
Steve's deep love and commitment for his family, as well as Koko, always blossomed whenever he was with them; especially while enjoying boating, camping, or cooking "adventures". He loved to listen, appreciate and discuss the finer points of music, adamantly offering challenges, opinions and debates.
We will all remember Steve's grand sense of humour and acerbic wit. His sense of equality towards all human beings and willingness to help anyone in need speaks volumes about his centered and philosophical approach toward life. We have all been touched by his uncanny insights and will carry them with us forever.
A Celebration of Steve's life will be held at the Calvary Community Church in Kamloops on Thursday, September 1st at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation's ICU Fund or the Kamloops Interior Summer School of Music (KISSM) Bursary Fund.
We wish to express our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Chevalier, Dr. Schmidt and the incredible caring ICU nursing staff at RIH.
Condolences may be expressed through www.schoening.com