Cale Louis Griffith

Cale Louis Griffith was born March 25, 1980 in Momence, Illinois. He left us far too soon, on September 17, 2022, aged 42 years young. He died of ongoing health problems at home in Oakham, Massachusetts.

Cale was a free spirit who connected with many people on his wandering and rich path, making life-long friendships that will endure far beyond his passing.The sudden loss of him is felt deeply by his family and the many he had befriended.

Cale was one of the most steadfastly loyal and compassionate people you knew - a gentle, quiet soul with a deceptively tough exterior. He chose to see the beauty and value in people that others often overlooked. Those will be among the most treasured memories for all of us.

Cale was a giver - he had an innate sense of knowing when a friend was in need, offering quiet comfort to many through life's toughest moments. He stood by you with no judgment even when you were down and out. His legacy can be felt in the many lives he touched and the people he helped along the way.

He is survived by mother, Elaine Griffith of Oakham, MA, brother James Griffith and wife Jessica of Otisfield, ME and sister Katie Griffith and husband Blake, of Tokyo, JPN as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.

Cale's childhood was spent in Oakham, MA and Pittsford, VT. His teenage years brought him to Worcester, MA. He soon discovered skateboards, guitars and hardcore music. Amidst the skate parks, coffee shops and music venues he found his people; a community of people that would remain active in his life for the next 30 years. He also had good friends from around the globe from high standing to homeless.

A youthful quest for adventure led him to Costa Rica. That was the beginning of his adventure into adulthood, with the ensuing years spent throughout Northern California, Asheville, NC, and NYC, making ends meet by telemarketing, teaching ESL, construction labor, movie set and bar security and selling mortgages before landing in San Francisco doing security for many years at Zeitgeist Bar. There he "worked the door" at - arguably - the best bar in the country - a job they didn't give just to anyone. Those that have been there know how special and "perfectly Cale" that place is; those that have not been should make a point to visit in his memory.

While Cale's life evolved, one thing remained constant - he always had at least one BIG IDEA in the works. He believed in dreaming big and endlessly brainstormed the potential ventures, creative strategies and startups that showed up on his path. He knew big things were possible. Cale is a person who not just once, but TWO separate times found substantial winning lottery tickets in trash cans.

In 2013 his father, Ed Griffith, passed away suddenly and Cale remained in Oakham to support his mother for the family; because that's who he was. It was during this time he re-discovered his artistic core. Stranded by a massive blizzard he began to experiment with paints and pastels for the first time since childhood. This kindled a flame that ignited a period of passionate creativity. Over the next few years he produced a multitude of large scale paintings and then countless pieces of digital art.

Cale created a distinct visual style all his own; bold, intricate patterns that fill up the page and create movement . Through challenges and uncertainty he found comfort and inspiration on the canvas in front of him. Art remained one of his greatest joys and favorite creative outlets. He spent the last ten years making art from his studio in Oakham.

The years following his father's death were creatively productive ones for Cale as an artist but incredibly difficult for Cale as a human. He was plagued by many serious health issues that seemed to knock him down each time he began to build momentum. Years of chronic mold illness, then a stroke in 2020 left him unable to speak or walk for months followed the next year by a series of seizures. Those who interacted with him know how hard he worked to progress while trying to continue with his real estate work. He fought the daily battles valiantly even when his health remained compromised by side effects from medications. Life was a challenge, but he was still the same big hearted guy loved by so many of us.

Recent months had been encouraging ones for Cale. He showed notable improvements and started finding energy to reconnect in person with friends at shows and parties. Tragically, just as we hoped for the best, the worst has happened.

Tomorrow isn't guaranteed. Hold close those you love and check in on each other.

Celebration of Life / Memorial Events:

Everything You Need is Here - Cale Griffith solo art exhibit.

Opening Wed Oct 12th 4-8 PM at the Popup Gallery at JMAC, 20 Franklin St, Worcester. All are invited to come share memories and stories in his honor at the opening night of his solo exhibit. The exhibit will be on display from Oct 12-25.

Music to Fly Bye: Cale Griffith Memorial Show

Monday Oct 24th 6 PM at Ralph's Rock Diner - 148 Grove St Worcester There will be a time for remembrance and then music by Chuck and Mud, Bridget Nault, Gut Health, Not Bad Not Well, and Silent Drive

A private memorial with family will be held on Cape Cod Bay in Brewster MA at a later date.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation towww.NetofCompassion.org which serves Worcester's most vulnerable population, people Cale tried often to help.