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John GRIFF Obituary

Published by Calgary Herald on Mar. 19, 2016.

GRIFF, John Raymond "Ray" David
April 22, 1940 – March 9, 2016
Sadly, Ray passed on Wednesday, March 9, 2016. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Trudy; brother, Ken Greff of Hermitage, Tennessee; nieces, Brenda (Terry) Patton and family, Kathy (Mike) Fuller and family, Holy (John) Frost and family, and Susie (Roger) Radford and family all living in Tennessee; Ronald (Wendy) Hankel and family and Donald (Cindy) Hankel and family. He was predeceased by his mother, Katherine Louise Mondey and his father, George Christian Grefe. Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, Ray moved to Nashville as a young man to fulfil his musical dreams. After living and working in Nashville for many years, he finally returned to Canada settling in Calgary. Ray and Trudy relocated to Vancouver Island in December of 2015. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at Southview Alliance Church, 1436 James McKevitt Road SW, in Calgary, Alberta. In lieu of flowers, please consider honouring Ray's memory by making a donation in his name to the Canadian Cancer Society.
"See ya, Love ya, Bye"
To send a condolence to the family please visit www.yatesfuneral.ca
YATES FUNERAL SERVICE & CREMATORIUM
(1.877.264.3848) in care of arrangements.

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Recent Activity

February 9, 2017

Carol posted to the memorial.

April 9, 2016

Glenn Kraeling posted to the memorial.

April 6, 2016

Karyn McNair posted to the memorial.

9 Entries

Carol

February 9, 2017

I know I am really late sending a message, but I just read it on-line. I am so sorry for your great loss. I remember seeing him in early 1971 or so, i believe it was at the Tradewinds S.W. Calgary. My best friend and I moved to Alberta in 1971 from P.E.I. so we used to go see lots of his shows. We just loved him. I just heard the song (THAT DOESN'T MEAN THAT I DON;T LOVE MY GOD) on my T.V. Country Station I just love it. R.I.P. Ray

Glenn Kraeling

April 9, 2016

Thoughts and Prayers

Karyn McNair

April 6, 2016

We are so very saddened to hear of Ray's passing...Trudy take comfort in knowing He touched many peoples lives in extrordinary ways.I remember the first time He came through my till at work... I recognised His voice and despite me realizing who He was, He was as polite and gentlemanly down to earth... We will miss Him... Take care of yourself ...lots of love...Karyn and Ida.([email protected])

March 24, 2016

3/24/2016 Palm City, Florida
My Deepest Sympathy to Trudy and Ray's family. I was saddened to hear of his passing. I first met Ray when he worked for TCA in Calgary, My dear friend Ingrid Emberger and I also worked for TCA - this was in the mid 1950's and Ray was a budding musician and writer.
He would write his music on any piece of paper he could get hold of and we would type it up for him. We followed our own path and I ended up in the US in my mid 20's (am now 79) the years do go fast - even though I left Canada I was always able to keep track of his success. Ray was a kind, gentle guy with music coming out of his head non stop. Regretfully I never did get to see him on my trips to Calgary to see Ingrid and my sister Gloria Filyk. It was Gloria who sent me the newspaper clipping and of course the computer helped me locate the site. The years have gone quickly but his music will live forever - I feel honored to say I knew and worked with him long ago. I would very much like to have you contact me Trudy --
Mrs. Reta (Filyk) Andrus
1866 SW Springfield Ct.
Palm City, Florida 34990
Phn: (772) 220-1812
E-Mail: [email protected]

Be comforted knowing Ray is at Peace and in God's House -- God Bless
Reta Andrus

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Peggy Burns

March 23, 2016

To my old friend, Ray,
May God hold you in the palm of his hand until you are safely home.
Love ya

Miriam Dreher

March 20, 2016

My sincere condolences to Trudy in the loss of such a wonderful man whose music brought so much enjoyment to so many people. He was so gifted...still remember him coming to my place for a meal and enjoying home made buns...sent some home for him that day. God bless you folks

Maria Halushka

March 20, 2016

I remember the winfield Days, Loved the music, very talented, will be missed.

Gene

March 19, 2016

A musical delight whose talent showed through brilliantly in songs like "Canadian Pacific". One of the humble, one of the creators one of the greats of Canadian music. Thanks for the songs Ray.

Sharon Robson

March 19, 2016

"That ol' black magic has you in it's spell, that ol' black magic that we knew so well, up, up, up we go, round, round round we go like an eagle following a star" I might not have the right words but I know I will never forget Ray singing them at Western Canada High.
Much sympathy to ALL the family
Sharon Robson (nee: Gerlitz)

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