In Loving Memory

Thomas Patrick Griffiths

11/13/1954 — 1/12/2021

Partnered-Hearts

A Life Remembered

Obituary

Thomas Patrick Griffiths, 66, of San Tan Valley passed away Tuesday January 12, 2021 at Plaza Health Care in Scottsdale, AZ surrounded by his family. He was born in Hibbing, MN to James and Dorothy Griffiths on November 13, 1954. He attended Assumption School and graduated from Hibbing High School. He was an Air Force Veteran stationed at Clark Air Force base in the Philippines and was assigned to a C-130 as a Crew Chief rescuing immigrant families during the Vietnam War. He married Kimberly Read on June 16, 1979 at Our Saviors Lutheran Church and together they raised 2 loving children. In 1985 they moved their family to Vista, California. Tom was employed by several companies including Snap-On Tools as a Manufacturing Engineer. In 2016 the family moved to Arizona.

Tom was a loving husband, father and grandfather and had a gift for gathering friends. He was a true friend to many. One of his friends and coworkers described him as hard working, humble and a great example of a dad who was dedicated to his family. He was willing to help anyone in need. He was a lot of fun with his infectious laugh he was a hoot to be around. Tom and his family volunteered at the homeless shelter in Vista. He was a Bob Dylan fan and he enjoyed fishing, hunting, refurbishing old cars and all things motorcycles.

He found much enjoyment in entertaining his grandchildren with trips to the desert and fishing trips on Lake Vermilion with their special cousin Travis Griffiths. Tom adored his 3 grandchildren and they loved their “Pa”. He will be dearly missed and they will never forget him.

Tom is survived by his loving wife Kimberly, son Shannon (Crystal) and grandson Waylon, daughter Lindsay Hughes (Brian) and grandsons Dylan and Jaxon, mother Dorothy Griffiths, sisters Erin (Robert) Koch, Mary (Timothy) Galliford, mother in-law Gloria Read, sister in-law Debbie (Larry) Shafranski, brother In-law Scott (Theresa) Read, nieces and nephews and a large extended family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Deacon James Griffiths, two brothers, James Edward and Daniel Kelly, nephew Dustin Edward, his maternal grandparents Mae and Leonard Sanders, paternal grandparents Margaret and Roy Griffiths.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, services are to be held at a later date to be determined.

Arrangements have been made with A Wise Choice Cremation Services.

Condolences may be left for the family at https://www.awisechoiceaz.com/obituaries/

Messages of Love

From family and friends

Charles R Hamilton

I hope the family will see this even though i’m 9 months late. I was in the service with Tom (we called Him Griffs). He was a very very good friend. I’m so sad to here of his passing and i wish you the family all the best. He and his wife came to see me in Arkansas sometim in the late 80’s. He was a very good man. His obituary described him just like I remember him. God bless yall. I guess I’ll see ole Griffs on the other side.

❦

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