Obituary of Thomas Oliver Griffin

November 14, 1944 - Port Glasgow, Scotland

December 6, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Thomas “Tom” Griffin, beloved husband of Tracy Griffin (nee Ruggles) of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Foothills hospital on Wednesday, December 6th, 2023 surrounded by his loving family at the age of 79 years.

He was born in Port Glasgow, Scotland to Mary and Thomas Griffin in 1944. He is the eldest brother to Anne Oliver Griffin. He briefly worked for the British government in the swinging sixties in London until he was called back to Scotland to support his family after the passing of his father when Tom was nineteen.

Dreaming of a better life, he flew to Canada on an Air Canada flight that would change his life forever. He met the love of his life, Tracy Joanne Ruggles, who was a stewardess on his flight. One year and several letters later, they were married in Ottawa, in 1972 at the Christ Church Anglican Cathedral. He joined Syncrude in 1974 and moved to Edmonton, AB. Between 1976 and 1979 he had two beautiful daughters in St. Albert, AB. He worked as a professional accountant and auditor and raised with his family in Fort McMurray from 1979 to 2006.

Tom was an active member of the Fort McMurray community. He was involved in Boy Scouts of Canada, and he coached and referee-ed soccer. He was also on the Regional Health Authority for a few terms, the Wood Buffalo City council as a city councilor, and he was President of the Scottish Society for a few terms. His enthusiasm and leadership also led him to run for Mayor of Fort McMurray. Not only was Tom involved in municipal politics, but he was an active participant in provincial and federal politics.

During his retirement he accomplished a life dream of becoming a published author of a historical fiction novel Dead Can Learn which is loosely based on his Scottish history and ancestry of Rob Roy MacGregor.

He is survived by his wife, Tracy Joanne Griffin, sister Anne Oliver Griffin, daughters, Kiely Joanne Griffin and Lindsay Joy Griffin; and his grandson Linden Griffin Russell.

Tom is sadly missed and remembered as a man of integrity, enthusiasm, service to his community, his sportsmanship, storytelling, and strength.

A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB) on Monday, December 11th, 2023 from 2:00pm-6:00pm.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Tom’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Tom’s family here.

In living memory of Thomas Griffin, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

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