Fredrick John Griffis

It is with sorrow that the family announces the passing of Fredrick Griffis on January 9, 2025 at the age of 96 at the Misericordia Community Hospital in Edmonton. Fred will be greatly missed by his son Harry J., his family and some very dear friends. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Hattie C., his son Fredrick W., his brother James H. and his sisters Helen M., Jean M. and Ruth A.

Fred grew up in the town of Daysland, Alberta where the family business was the town's general store. Near the end of WWII he joined the air cadets and was training to be a radio technician when the war ended. He ended up in Edmonton, Alberta working at The Hudsons Bay Company as a salesman selling furniture, appliances and televisions. At that time they even sold pianos and he learned piano tuning to aid him in closing the sale by offering tuning as part of the package. A handy skill for him that he kept in practice with throughout the years on the family piano. He was there when color televisions and microwave ovens first came on the retail market. Always the excellent salesman his family even had the first color television on the block, which was an award for high sales. He started out in the Bay's downtown location and through the years worked at their locations at Southgate Mall, a Warehouse outlet on Mayfield road and finally at West Edmonton Mall. Overall he worked continuously at The Bay for almost 30 years before retiring.

It was during his time at the Hudsons Bay downtown store that he met and married the love of his life, Hattie. The best friend he would share his life with for the next 61 years before her passing in 2017. Together they proudly raised their two sons Fredrick and Harry.

Music was something that he enjoyed throughout his life, whether playing the piano, accordion or listening to recordings. From an early age he and his siblings were encouraged to learn and enjoy a variety of instruments. Over the years when they would meet it would be the rare family gathering that wouldn't involve music being played in some fashion.

We are happy to have been blessed with the time we had with him and will move forward with the spirit of his love and warmth in our hearts.

At Fred’s request there will be no funeral service.

The family extends our deepest gratitude to the wonderful staff at Capital Care Lynnwood and the Misericordia Community Hospital.