Celebrating the life of
Leonard David Griffiths, Jr.
May 23, 1940 - March 28, 2016
Leonard David Griffiths, Jr.
Leonard (Len) D. Griffiths Jr., born in Harrisburg, Pa., lived an extraordinary life from May 23, 1940, until March 28, 2016. Len passed away with his true love, wife and best friend of 51 years, Celie, by his side at the Mayo Clinic, in Jacksonville, FL. He fought a long battle with cancer with courage, dignity, and grace, and was an inspiration to us all with his positive thinking, sense of humor, and love.
The eldest of four, he loved his siblings and their spouses very much. His younger sister Joan Solem (John) who always made sure there were no lions and tigers in the closets, or under the bed in his room, and his younger brothers, Jim (Helen), and Peter (Jane), for whom he took great pride in his lifetime appointment as chief advisor on anything and everything. He always loved spending time with them and all of his extended family in one of his favorite places, Lake Muskoka, Canada.
While the odds were stacked against him, he beat Hodgkin’s Lymphoma at 21, and thereafter, he and Celie lived every day to its fullest. Unsure of his chances of having children, he was blessed with three and was a loving father to Jillian (Jim Cusick), Amy (Craig Hodge), and David (Glennda Shealey). He cherished his role of Papa to his four grandchildren, Carter, Caitlyn, Tristan, and Cullin. He taught them the art of spitballs, loved making pancakes for them and even shared his cookies with them.
Having lived in many cities, he and Celie retired to Skidaway Island in 2001 where he made many wonderful new friends, and where old friends would come to visit. His greatest enjoyment of all his volunteer work in his lifetime was having the privilege of sitting on the Board of Governors of the Landings Club.
He leaves behind his family, his many friends, and a cookie for each grandchild.
Len, wonderful husband, dad, papa, brother, uncle, and friend was a sentimental man with a larger than life smile who always loved a good party. A celebration of his life will be held in the Ballroom at the Marshes of Skidaway Island from 3:00 to 5:00 pm on Saturday, April 2, 2016. Parking will be available at the Methodist Church opposite the Marshes Entrance. Shuttle service will be available from the parking lot.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in his memory to cancer research at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, FL online at www.mayoclinic.org/development or mailed to Department of Development, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN 55905, or to cancer research at Curtis & Elizabeth Anderson Cancer Institute at Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah, GA.
You were such an amazing Father, Papa, Husband, Brother and Friend to us all. What an incredible life you had and that we were lucky to be part of and share with you. We will forever miss your big beautiful smile and wonderful sense of humour. We miss you so much and we will cherish every precious memory!! Love you Dad/Papa!! xo
- The Hodge Family , Coroglen, NZ
Dear Celie. We were away on an extended trip when we learned of Len's death. Our warmest sympathies. We will call and talk to you. Bill
- Bill and Linda Davis, Toronto, Ont.
I will miss our quarterly lunches which we did over the past 5-6 years, where as a group, we managed to solve many of the country and world's problems. Len was always an active participant in our discussions and his insight and humor will be missed. He will be in my prayers.
- Mike Newman, Savannah, GA
Jillian, So sorry to hear about your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
- Jason Pastrano, New York, NY
Celie, Amy, Jillian, Dave and families we're truly sorry for your loss. Looking at that gorgeous picture of you both it's easy to see where Amy gets her smile and larger than life personality from! All our love Dallas, Steven and Beaudyn. X x x
- Dallas Yearbury, Whitianga , NZ
Celie, So sorry to hear of Len's passing. I hope that your grief passes quickly, and that you only have happy memories of your time together. Kevin
- Kevin Smith, Savannah, Georgia
Sending our Love and Hugs to you and yours Amy Craige Carter and Caityn xxx
- The Mill Crake Creekers, WHITIANGA NZ, NZ
So sorry to hear about Len's passing. He will truly be missed by the Wednesday ROGUES golf group. Lenny was one of the first new members to join the Wed. Golf group. He always had the best uplift for the group iwith his positive attitude and great sense of humor. Wish we could be at his celebration of life tomorrow, but we are in Barcelona. Celiie, our heart goes out to you and your children. God speed Lennie. You were one of the best. Mike & Pam
- Mike & Pam Bigelow, Savannah, GA
Jillian and family - I am so sorry for your loss. I know from experience that you will unfortunately never stop missing him, but you are so fortunate to have so many wonderful memories and the love and prayers of so many friends and family. My deepest sympathies.
- Lisa Sawicki, New York, NY
Len's smile, laugh and the twinkle in his eye are things that will be remembered by me and all who were blessed to have known him. My condolences to you Celie and your family, on your loss. Hugs coming to all from the Northeast.
- Michele Davis, Kennebunk, Maine
I will always remember Len as one of my most trusted friends during the time of our service on the board of The Landings Club. He was always kind, thoughtful, and brutally honest when push came to shove -- exactly what we needed at the time. I know how much he loved his family, his friends, and his life in retirement here on Skidaway Island. He will be dearly missed by those who were fortunate enough to be in his circle of friendship. Sincerely, Norm and Renee Sanders
- Norm & Renee Sanders, Savannah, Georgia
The Pickwick Drive gang sends our fond remembrances. Len, Jim and drove to Whiteface to ski around 1958 and had a ball!
- Charlie Burnham, Stowe, Vt
The Pickwick Drive gang sends our fond remembrances. Len, Jim and drove to Whiteface to ski around 1958 and had a ball!
- Charlie Burnham, Stowe, Vt
Deepest condolences from a friend of Jillian's. May he rest peacefully, with a sure knowledge his legacy lives on through you all.
- Marianne Lepre-Nolan, Somers, NY
To my dear friend Celie and Amy Jillian and David this is a tremendous loss for you as well as it is for your friends,he was as you well know a wonderful man and Mike and I cherish the time we spend with you both.Perhaps in time we will realise we couldn't keep him any more so knowing he is not in pain and still with us in our daily thoughts is a comfort. Len will long be remembered by all of us. Mike and Judy
- Judy ost, Savannah , GA
Jillian and family. My sincere sympathies for your loss. I didn't know him but I love his smile in the picture. !!! Keep the great memories close ... They will out live the pain you are feeling now. My prayers are with you. Linda
- Linda Ianieri, New york, Ny
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
- Jeanie Eckmann, Savannah, Georgia
Jillian - I know how difficult it must be to lose someone so special and dear to you. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Michelle
- Michelle Lee, New York, NY
Our thoughts are with Celie and family. Len was a great friend and will miss his positive attitude and especially the smile! Bob and Barbara Gunness
- Barbara Gunness and Bob, Savannah, Ga
Jillian and family, my condolences. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Jillian, you will always be part of our PwC family and we are thinking about you during this difficult time. - Gina
- Gina Biondo, NYC, NY
Len was a special man . I knew him as a friend, a husband, a grandfather, and a father. He carried out each of these roles with love, enthusiasm, and great energy. His love of his family was profound. Len will be missed by many people at the Landings--to know Len was to love him!
- Pat goodday, Savannah, Ga
The news of Len's passing has brought back many memories of the Griffiths family in Muskoka when Len was a boy and we all swam in the lake and drove those impossilbly slow outboard motor boats and swam in Lake Muskoka. We are thinking of you all as you gather to remember and mourn. How lucky you were to have had him for as long as you did. Prayers and love from Sue and Don Comish
- Sue and Don Comish, Toronto, Ont
Len was one of the kindest people we have known here at The Landings. He was a special person and a great friend.
- Studie and Dave Smith, Savannah, Ga.
knowing Len was one of the highlights of our life here in Savannah.......with fond memories and sympathy for you all we are Jack and Nancy
- jack and Nancy Tesinsky, Savannah, GA
We have been honored to have known Len and to call him a good friend. He will be missed greatly. Our condolences to the whole family.
- The Romanos family, Savannah, GA
My sincere condolences to the Griffith Family on the passing of your dear loved one. May Jehovah God, the God of comfort grant you his peace while you await the fulfillment of his promise at John 5:28(to resurrect those who have been asleep in death) May fond memories of Leonard linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days to come
- Henry, Lawrenceville, GA
Celia, Dave, Amy, Jillian, and family Our prayers and condolences go out to you for the loss of Papa. Clearly many will mourn his passing. We feel fortunate in having memories and sad we did not meet him earlier. Joe, Lila & JP
- The Berlon Family, Savannah, GA
You were such an amazing Father, Papa, Husband, Brother and Friend to us all. What an incredible life you had and that we were lucky to be part of and share with you. We will forever miss your big beautiful smile and wonderful sense of humour. We miss you so much and we will cherish every precious memory!! Love you Dad/Papa!! xo
- The Hodge Family , Coroglen, NZ
Dear Celie. We were away on an extended trip when we learned of Len's death. Our warmest sympathies. We will call and talk to you. Bill
- Bill and Linda Davis, Toronto, Ont.
I will miss our quarterly lunches which we did over the past 5-6 years, where as a group, we managed to solve many of the country and world's problems. Len was always an active participant in our discussions and his insight and humor will be missed. He will be in my prayers.
- Mike Newman, Savannah, GA
Jillian, So sorry to hear about your Dad. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
- Jason Pastrano, New York, NY
Celie, Amy, Jillian, Dave and families we're truly sorry for your loss. Looking at that gorgeous picture of you both it's easy to see where Amy gets her smile and larger than life personality from! All our love Dallas, Steven and Beaudyn. X x x
- Dallas Yearbury, Whitianga , NZ
Celie, So sorry to hear of Len's passing. I hope that your grief passes quickly, and that you only have happy memories of your time together. Kevin
- Kevin Smith, Savannah, Georgia
Sending our Love and Hugs to you and yours Amy Craige Carter and Caityn xxx
- The Mill Crake Creekers, WHITIANGA NZ, NZ
So sorry to hear about Len's passing. He will truly be missed by the Wednesday ROGUES golf group. Lenny was one of the first new members to join the Wed. Golf group. He always had the best uplift for the group iwith his positive attitude and great sense of humor. Wish we could be at his celebration of life tomorrow, but we are in Barcelona. Celiie, our heart goes out to you and your children. God speed Lennie. You were one of the best. Mike & Pam
- Mike & Pam Bigelow, Savannah, GA
Jillian and family - I am so sorry for your loss. I know from experience that you will unfortunately never stop missing him, but you are so fortunate to have so many wonderful memories and the love and prayers of so many friends and family. My deepest sympathies.
- Lisa Sawicki, New York, NY
Len's smile, laugh and the twinkle in his eye are things that will be remembered by me and all who were blessed to have known him. My condolences to you Celie and your family, on your loss. Hugs coming to all from the Northeast.
- Michele Davis, Kennebunk, Maine
I will always remember Len as one of my most trusted friends during the time of our service on the board of The Landings Club. He was always kind, thoughtful, and brutally honest when push came to shove -- exactly what we needed at the time. I know how much he loved his family, his friends, and his life in retirement here on Skidaway Island. He will be dearly missed by those who were fortunate enough to be in his circle of friendship. Sincerely, Norm and Renee Sanders
- Norm & Renee Sanders, Savannah, Georgia
The Pickwick Drive gang sends our fond remembrances. Len, Jim and drove to Whiteface to ski around 1958 and had a ball!
- Charlie Burnham, Stowe, Vt
The Pickwick Drive gang sends our fond remembrances. Len, Jim and drove to Whiteface to ski around 1958 and had a ball!
- Charlie Burnham, Stowe, Vt
Deepest condolences from a friend of Jillian's. May he rest peacefully, with a sure knowledge his legacy lives on through you all.
- Marianne Lepre-Nolan, Somers, NY
To my dear friend Celie and Amy Jillian and David this is a tremendous loss for you as well as it is for your friends,he was as you well know a wonderful man and Mike and I cherish the time we spend with you both.Perhaps in time we will realise we couldn't keep him any more so knowing he is not in pain and still with us in our daily thoughts is a comfort. Len will long be remembered by all of us. Mike and Judy
- Judy ost, Savannah , GA
Jillian and family. My sincere sympathies for your loss. I didn't know him but I love his smile in the picture. !!! Keep the great memories close ... They will out live the pain you are feeling now. My prayers are with you. Linda
- Linda Ianieri, New york, Ny
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
- Jeanie Eckmann, Savannah, Georgia
Jillian - I know how difficult it must be to lose someone so special and dear to you. My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Michelle
- Michelle Lee, New York, NY
Our thoughts are with Celie and family. Len was a great friend and will miss his positive attitude and especially the smile! Bob and Barbara Gunness
- Barbara Gunness and Bob, Savannah, Ga
Jillian and family, my condolences. My prayers and thoughts are with you all. Jillian, you will always be part of our PwC family and we are thinking about you during this difficult time. - Gina
- Gina Biondo, NYC, NY
Len was a special man . I knew him as a friend, a husband, a grandfather, and a father. He carried out each of these roles with love, enthusiasm, and great energy. His love of his family was profound. Len will be missed by many people at the Landings--to know Len was to love him!
- Pat goodday, Savannah, Ga
The news of Len's passing has brought back many memories of the Griffiths family in Muskoka when Len was a boy and we all swam in the lake and drove those impossilbly slow outboard motor boats and swam in Lake Muskoka. We are thinking of you all as you gather to remember and mourn. How lucky you were to have had him for as long as you did. Prayers and love from Sue and Don Comish
- Sue and Don Comish, Toronto, Ont
Len was one of the kindest people we have known here at The Landings. He was a special person and a great friend.
- Studie and Dave Smith, Savannah, Ga.
knowing Len was one of the highlights of our life here in Savannah.......with fond memories and sympathy for you all we are Jack and Nancy
- jack and Nancy Tesinsky, Savannah, GA
We have been honored to have known Len and to call him a good friend. He will be missed greatly. Our condolences to the whole family.
- The Romanos family, Savannah, GA
My sincere condolences to the Griffith Family on the passing of your dear loved one. May Jehovah God, the God of comfort grant you his peace while you await the fulfillment of his promise at John 5:28(to resurrect those who have been asleep in death) May fond memories of Leonard linger in your hearts and bring you peace in the days to come
- Henry, Lawrenceville, GA
Celia, Dave, Amy, Jillian, and family Our prayers and condolences go out to you for the loss of Papa. Clearly many will mourn his passing. We feel fortunate in having memories and sad we did not meet him earlier. Joe, Lila & JP
- The Berlon Family, Savannah, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
