Obituary of Johnston Russell "Rusty" Griffith

It is with heavy hearts the family of Rusty Griffith announce his passing at the Dawson Creek & District Hospital. Rusty was a long time resident of Farmington, B.C. and passed away on Friday, August 1, 2014 at the age of 84 years. Johnston Russell Griffith (Rusty) was born October 2, 1929 in the RM of Greenfield near Livelong, Saskatchewan on the family farm. He was the youngest of seven children born to his mother Gertrude Griffith and the only child born to his father Russell Griffith. Born into the great depression and with his special mechanical gift he developed a strong sense of independence and the ability to make almost anything work or build whatever he needed. When Mom and Dad decided to move to the farm from town one of the first things he did was to build a saw mill and planer mill, then start logging. Dad attended a small country school when he was young and did well but the school only went to grade eight so that's where his academic career ended. He worked where he could for Mr. Hicks in Livelong where he got to work around equipment which always attracted him. Eventually he came west to work with our uncles Dave and Paul on their sawmill north of Hythe, AB. While he was back in Saskatchewan a beautiful young lady caught his eye and on Sept 17th 1955 Rusty Griffith and Annie Forsyth were married in Edam Sask. They then were off to Dawson Creek to begin their life together. The next summer Mom moved into their new but not finished house with their new son Deryle. Dad was away working construction and pipeline as a heavy duty mechanic but we had a wonderful neighbourhood full of new families so everybody was always looked after each other and were never alone. During Dad's time at home he always had a project so Deryle always had a go-cart, mini bike or vast array of motorized toys. Much to everyone's surprise in May of 1970 the family was blessed with another son, James. Then not long after in October 1971 the family was completed with Lorie a beautiful baby girl. Not long after the family was complete Dad purchased a quarter section in Farmington and began logging, clearing and building. In 1979 Deryle got married to Silvia and needed a home, so a trailer was moved out to Mom and Dad's quarter and Deryle and Silvia began their life together. With the coming of grand kids dad was able to convince Mom to move out to the farm. Once the family was out on the farm, Dad set about to provide for all our wants and needs. Mom had her home, garden and birds, even a milk caw. Deryle, Silvia and the kids always had transportation and equipment that was always just there. James was driving everything from cats to cars and Lorie had her horses. Dad's focus was always to care for his family. Whatever crisis entered our lives Dad was there to lift the burden from our shoulders and with his strength and wisdom free us to go on. In 2006 Mom passed away, leaving a huge hole in Dad's life. They had been a team for over fifty years and without Mom huge part of Dad's purpose in life faded. James moved in with Dad for the last few years. In the early Spring of 2013 Dad was flown to Vancouver with a medical crisis but was able to stay at home until July 25th, 2014 when he went to the hospital. On Aug 1, 2014 Dad joined Mom. The family was able to be by his side through his stay at the hospital, to be there for him as he had always been there for them. Rusty was predeceased by his loving wife Annie Griffith, father and mother, Russell and Gertrude Griffith. His siblings Eva, Paul, Earnestine, Nita, Bill and Grace. He was survived by his children Deryle (Silvia), James, and Lorie (Doug), Grand Children Susan (Drew), David (Carol),Sarah, Derek, Corbin and Shaena, Great Grandchild Kinley, and many friends and relatives who shared in his life. With respect to Rusty's wishes no formal funeral service will be held. Special Memories of Rusty presented by his loving son Deryle. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium