Thomas Griffiths
November 13, 1954 - January 12, 2021
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Thomas Griffiths
November 13, 1954 - January 12, 2021
Obituary
Thomas Patrick Griffiths, 66, of San Tan Valley passed away Tuesday January 12, 2021 at Plaza Health Care in Scottsdale, AZ surrounded by his family. He was born in Hibbing, MN to James and Dorothy Griffiths on November 13, 1954. He attended Assumption School and graduated from Hibbing High School. He was an Air Force Veteran stationed at Clark Air Force base in the Philippines and was assigned to a C-130 as a Crew Chief rescuing immigrant families during the Vietnam War. He married Kimberly Read on June 16, 1979 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church and together they raised 2 loving children. In 1985 they moved their family to Vista, California. Tom was employed by several companies including Snap-On Tools as a Manufacturing Engineer. In 2016 the family moved to Arizona.
Tom was a loving husband, father and grandfather and had a gift for gathering friends. He was a true friend to many. One of his friends and coworkers described him as hard working, humble and a great example of a dad who was dedicated to his family. He was willing to help anyone in need. He was a lot of fun with his infectious laugh he was a hoot to be around. Tom and his family volunteered at the homeless shelter in Vista. He was a Bob Dylan fan and he enjoyed fishing, hunting, refurbishing old cars and all things motorcycles. He found much enjoyment in entertaining his grandchildren with trips to the desert and fishing trips on Lake Vermilion with their special cousin Travis Griffiths. Tom adored his 3 grandchildren and they loved their “Pa”. He will be dearly missed and they will never forget him. Tom is survived by his loving wife Kimberly, son Shannon (Crystal) and grandson Waylon, daughter Lindsay Hughes (Brian) and grandsons Dylan and Jaxon, mother Dorothy Griffiths, sisters Erin (Robert) Koch, Mary (Timothy) Galliford, mother in-law Gloria Read, sister in-law Debbie (Larry) Shafranski, brother In-law Scott (Theresa) Read, nieces and nephews and a large extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Deacon James Griffiths, two brothers, James Edward and Daniel Kelly, nephew Dustin Edward, his maternal grandparents Mae and Leonard Sanders, paternal grandparents Margaret and Roy Griffiths. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, services are to be held at a later date to be determined. Arrangements have been made with A Wise Choice Cremation Services. Condolences may be left for the family at https://www.awisechoiceaz.com/obituaries/ |
16 responses to Thomas Griffiths
Barry Ervin says:
January 14, 2021
I have been very blessed to have Tom and his family in my life. Thank you, he will be missed by many
Claudia Johnson says:
January 15, 2021
Mark & I are so sorry to hear about Tom’s passing & your incredible loss.
He was such an amazing friend & extended family as all of you have been to our son, Barry. Hugs & love to all of you.
Jeffrey and Jennifer Ogletree says:
January 15, 2021
Tom and the Griffiths family will always have a fond place in all of our hearts ! Job well done, Rest In Peace my friend !
Sabrina Collins says:
January 15, 2021
Oh Tom, may you rest in peace. God bless you my friend, I will miss you.
Carrie Calder says:
January 15, 2021
You were a good man Tom. Give Ed a hug Prayers for all of you.