JOHN W. GRIFFITHS, CLU JACK

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JOHN W. GRIFFITHS, CLU JACK Peacefully on January 21, 2002 at the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg, Jack Griffiths passed away at the age of 94 years. Jack is survived by his sons, Ronald (Marilyn) of Mississauga, David (Judith) and Bruce of Winnipeg; brother Bill (Renee) of Victoria; sisters, Jessie of Toronto and Edith of Victoria; grandchildren, Blake (Melissa), Darrin (Leslie), Lisa, Derek of England, Jodi (Drew) and Greg (Shannon) and seven great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife Lavina Lillian (Viney) in 1990. Jack was born May 2, 1907 in London, England. He immigrated to Canada with his family in 1911 with his parents and four siblings and they grew to ten children. Jacks family lived in various places in rural Manitoba - Deloraine, Brandon before moving to Winnipeg at the start of World War One. Jack had an avid interest in sports. As a youth, he was involved in rowing and boxing. He became the Manitoba Bantam Weight Champion in 1925 and was scheduled to appear in the Olympics. Jack was actively involved in the Order of DeMolay as a youth, and became the Past Grandmaster, Canadian Council, Order of DeMolay in later life. He was also a Master Mason, member of the Scottish Rite, and a Shriner. Jack and Viney were actively involved in the development of Harrow United Church for over 22 years. They helped develop the church from a missionary church to its present location on Harrow Street. After spending 22 years in the printing business at Systems Equipment, Jack entered the Life Insurance industry as a salesman in September 1943 with ManuLife Financial. He earned the CLU designation in the late 1940s and was very proud of this industry designation. He achieved many firsts for personal production and was the first to become a member of the Million Dollar Roundtable in Western Canada for ManuLife. In 1968, ManuLife Financial honoured him as one of the original twelve 5 Star Masterbuilders. This was acknowledgment of personal development, client service and conservation of business. Jack was involved in the formation of the Estate Planning Council of Winnipeg, in the early 1960s. This was a body of lawyers, chartered accountants and life insurance agents (CLUs) formed for the purpose of sharing and exploring concepts of Estate and Financial Planning. His son David joined him in Business in January 1972 and they worked together growing Griffiths Financial Services until Jacks retirement in 1996 at the of age 89 years. For a brief period from 1994 to 1999, Jodi joined with her father and grandfather to become the third generation in business. Jack was proud of his family and their achievements. He enjoyed travel, especially to ManuLife conventions. Jack was known for being outspoken and was always willing to share his opinion. He will be greatly missed and always remembered as a man of determination. The family would like to thank the staff of the Convalescent Home who provided kindness and care to Jack during his last days. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Convalescent Home of Winnipeg, 276 Hugo Street North, Winnipeg, MB R3M 2N6. Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday, January 25 at Bardal Funeral Home, 843 Sherbrook St. with visitation one hour prior to the service. The ceremony will be followed by a reception and refreshments. Interment Brookside Cemetery. BARDAL FUNERAL HOME 843 Sherbrook Street, 774-7474

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 25, 2002