A Legion member for thirty-seven years, William George “Bill” Griffey passed away Friday, December 3 just days short of his sixty-eighth birthday. Bill’s twin sisters, Mary & Marg, are well known members of Branch 154’s Ladies Auxiliary.
Bill was a graduate of Oneida Public School, Cayuga Secondary High School and Ridgetown Agricultural College. He finished his working career as a District Herd Inspector in the Palmerston and surrounding area. Bill was an avid Alouette fan, as well as the Toronto Blue Jays. He followed Ken Griffey Senior and Junior over the years as both were favorites of his mother’s as well. He even acquired a signed baseball for his mom. He organized Friday night dirt track racing at Ohsweken Speedway with Margaret and Mary. Bill was a member of The Royal Canadian Legion in Palmerston and Br. 154 in Caledonia. As a resident of Leisure Living Retirement Home in Jarvis for several years, Bill spent many hours playing cribbage with “The Girls”. He made many friends there until his return to Hagersville Hospital this past June. Bill’s final home was Abel Living on the second floor at the hospital where he was lovingly cared for by the staff there. Faith was very important to Bill, and he looked forward to Sunday services at St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Caledonia. Special thanks to Bill’s life-long friends, Bill and Ken Bottenfield who visited many Wednesdays for their afternoon cribbage game during his stay at Leisure Living. We would like to thank Dr. Perry V. Mayer, MB., BCH., CCFP of the Mayer Institute and his staff for keeping Bill’s diabetic feet and toes healthy. To the amazing care givers at Leisure Living, Abel Care and Hagersville Hospital, Lori, Margaret, Mary, and Norman, we extend heartfelt thanks for your devotion shown to our beloved brother Bill. All of you made his quality of life manageable and comfortable. Doctor Katherine Phillips, what excellent care and compassion you gave to our brother during his stay at Hagersville Hospital. We will be ever grateful to you for all that you did. Over the past six months Bill’s minister, Reverend Cheryl Barker of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Caledonia journeyed with us providing spiritual guidance at a moment’s notice during these difficult times. Lori, Margaret and Mary extend heartfelt thanks to Reverend Cheryl for her ministry. A funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Caledonia on Thursday December 9, 2021, at 11 a.m. Bill will be laid to rest beside his parents at the Caledonia Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 27 Orkney St. E., Caledonia, ON, N3W 2B9 would be greatly appreciated. Forever in our hearts dear brother. Your loving sisters. Until we meet again.