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
Darlene & Michael Majkich says:
January 15, 2021
Tom will always be remembered in our hearts. He was a lifelong friend of my husband Michael and we loved him more than anything. He will truly be missed by everyone at the station…. where the laughter and the stories will always be told and retold. Our hearts are broke but we are happy that he is now at peace.
Condolences to the family… Love and hugs to each and everyone of you…
In Jesus name we pray…Amen
James Schuck says:
January 15, 2021
I am privileged and honored to have grown up knowing Tom and the rest of the Griffiths family.. I will never forget hanging out in the garage with Tom watching and sometimes helping out working on all the cars and trucks and anything else with an engine that was laying around.. The man was one of the most solid and all around amazing human beings iv ever met.. There was no BS with Tom which resulted in us little punks (Shannon and myself) learning valuable life lessons.. I send my love with all my heart to the Griffiths family.. RIP Tom and tell your crazy ass brother Ed i say hi lol.. Till we meet again…
RON GREENWOOD says:
January 15, 2021
so sorry to hear this , i was a frend eddie and tommy back in poole loction . we were just kids 6 or 7 yrs . old and played to gether every other day. I will never forget them IM very sorry for his family , my thoughts go out to each and everyone you. RON GREENWOOD
Tom Nollet says:
January 16, 2021
RIP Tommy. The Griffiths boys all died way too young with way too much fun still to have!
Susan Schooler says:
January 22, 2021
“Perhaps they are not stars in the sky,
but rather openings where our loved ones shine down
to let us know they are happy.”