WILLIAM OWEN GRIFFITH

Condolences & Memories (24 entries)

• My deepest of condolences to Owen’s family and friends. My father Brian and Dale were cousins, I remember my first visit to Victoria Beach, meeting both Dale and Owen, I must have been around 10 years old or younger. Owen took us up on his plane, and let my dad take the controls momentarily, to this day it is a memory I will always remember, and many other visits along the way. I remember the first visit as an adult, my husband and I drove blind, off childhood memories, I was looking for Larry Ateah, we stopped at the greenhouse and asked the first person we saw and of course that was Owen. Two birds with one stone. We visited with Own for house before we ended up at Larrys. My last visit was after Dales passing, we talked about memories, Sammy and Jessie, Jessie’s paintings, and my grandfather John Munro (Jessie’s brother). These memories will always be cherished by myself and my family. 🕊️🕯️ - Posted by: Kristine Munro/Butler (2nd Cousin) on: Mar 09, 2025

• May I offer you my condolences at this sad time. I worked with Owen at the WFC as an instructor he trained me for my instructors rating and float rating, He soon left to fly for Air Canada and I went on to fly for Pacific Western Airlines. We got together one evening in Edmonton he called me on the phone and I picked him up we had a great time as we always did in conversation. Owen was a great friend and will always be remembered why those that knew him. Stan Fleming - Posted by: Stanley Fleming (pilot friend) on: Mar 08, 2025

• Condoléances to the family. It was a great experience to fly with Owen on assignment in Winnipeg as his First Officer in late summer 1973. Owen was a pleasure to work with. Lots of expert advice to a new pilot with the airline. Owen was a gentleman and a great pilot. See you on the other side Owen. - Posted by: Dennis Copley (Co-worker.) on: Feb 10, 2025

• It was my pleasure to have know Owen from early days on course. A true gentleman, great pilot, and man of character. You will be missed. - Posted by: John Noke (friend/co worker) on: Jan 29, 2025

• I had the privilege of flying on his last flight (from Toronto to Winnipeg). I remember greeting him as I deplaned and wishing him the best in his retirement. He had been a neighbor of my parents at Wanasing and they often chatted about life at Victoria Beach and Wanasing Beach. As a former resident of VB, I came to learn that we were alumni of Daniel MacIntyre and that he was a member of the Football team brekkies monthly where stories of games and times after were recalled with joy and laughter. He gave me stories to be included on the alumni website for other Alumni to enjoy. You were a great neighbor, friend and an outstanding DMCI Alumni. Rest well earned. Condolences to the families. - Posted by: Lila Larson (Friend) on: Jan 29, 2025

• I flew with Owen many years on the B727. He was a great pilot, a wonderful person and a true gentleman. He will be fondly remembered and missed by all that knew him. My condolences to his family. A life well lived. - Posted by: Gord Wilson (Work friend) on: Jan 27, 2025

• I had the pleasure of spending time with Owen during my time in Winnipeg back in the DC9 days of the early 80's. Whether it was flying the airplane or enjoying the challenges of another layover he had a special way to make it all so enjoyable. He made the world a better place for all he shared it with. Thanks Owen!! - Posted by: GORDON C Montgomery (friend) on: Jan 27, 2025

• Our very first run in with this great fellow was our buying into the Wanasing Beach community in 1998 & our friendship blossomed from there. What a wealth of knowledge & a terrific story teller. He was our version of Google, before Google! He will be sorely missed, but not forgotten. They got a good one in you. Safe flight ✈️ and good night. - Posted by: Tom, Joanne & Hayley Kolba (Neighbor & good friends 🧡) on: Jan 27, 2025

• One of my favorite Captains to fly with, many fond memories - Posted by: Joe Lafranier (Fellow pilot) on: Jan 27, 2025

• My sincerest condolences to the Griffith family! May your thoughts be filled with happy memories of your dad. - Posted by: Marlene Loewen (Daughters friend) on: Jan 26, 2025

• My sincere condolences to Captain Owen’s family and friends. Owen was a gem to fly with. Very professional and an asset to Air Canada. He will truly be missed. Owen is now flying at the highest altitude as he graces the Heavens as our angel. What a kind, caring person with a heart of gold. - Posted by: Lucille Parkinson (Air Canada Purser) on: Jan 26, 2025

• One of the finest men and pilots with whom I ever worked. He made life fun and was a true gentleman. May fair winds and blue skies be ever yours Owen. - Posted by: Vern (Boyko) on: Jan 26, 2025

• An excellent pilot and a wonderful human being, Owen will be missed by all who knew him.. Condolences to Family and Friends, may he Rest in Peace. - Posted by: Chuck Almasy (Co-worker) on: Jan 26, 2025

• A good friend, a pleasure to fly with, such a great sense of humour. - Posted by: Mac Laird (Fellow pilot) on: Jan 26, 2025

• I have many fond memories of Owen. Sending love and best regards to his family (my dear cousins) at this time....... - Posted by: GARRY DAVID (family) on: Jan 26, 2025

• Got to know Owen in 1961 and worked with him through the years. His quiet demeanor and sense of humor were ever present. - Posted by: David G Edward (Friend and fellow pilot) on: Jan 26, 2025

• Deepest condolences Trevor, Pam, Shelley and families. I very much respected your father. A man of integrity. He will be fondly remembered. 🙏 - Posted by: Kevin Ateah (Cousin) on: Jan 25, 2025

• I loved working with that interesting gentleman! He was a great driver and honoured to have been his fumbling first officer! Best to the family! Kind thoughts! I won't forget him ever! Mark Schwartzentruber 5198973329 Four hours🙁🙁 - Posted by: Mark schwartzentruber (His first officer) on: Jan 25, 2025

• I flew with Owen extensively as well as his brother Jim. Both were wonderful men and great pilots. I have related many stories of my flights with Owen and would here, but they are too lengthy. He will be missed. - Posted by: Kent Davis (Friend and co worker) on: Jan 25, 2025

• Loved working with Owen as did all the FO’s in Winnipeg. It was always a yahoo when you were assigned a block of monthly flying with him. Layovers were almost always something fun out of the ordinary the racetrack or grab a beer and go to the river bank. He made work and layovers memorable. One of the “good guys”! - Posted by: Perry Walker (Co worker and friend) on: Jan 25, 2025

• Deepest Sympathy to the Family of Owen's, from my memories he was always a very friendly guy and easy going. He was always one of the first to be at any Family functions, and always talked you into attending also. I will miss my Cousin Owen and his calls, our Family is getting awfully small. RIP Owen - Posted by: Tom Hamilton (cousin) on: Jan 25, 2025

• I enjoyed many a good conversation with Owen on Sundays at the Pine Falls United Church and at the Royal Canadian Legion in Pine Falls meat draw Fridays. Always interesting and most enjoyable. Owen jammed a lot into his 91 years and had a good life. Rest in Peace Owen. - Posted by: Kelly Sharpe (Friend) on: Jan 25, 2025

• My heartfelt condolences go out to Lillian, Shelley, Pam, Trevor, and all of Owen's family. I had the privilege of knowing Owen as a work colleague, as well as a friend. Both Owen and his brother Jim, were great guys to work with, as they both made the job enjoyable, without being overbearing. Humour and storytelling, were traits they both excelled at. Fellow friend, Gerry Norberg and I enjoyed a visit on Christmas Eve, and even though he struggled with his health issues, he was very engaging, and reflective, about his lifetime in aviation, as well as his life in general. Owen will be missed by all of us that knew him, and even though I regret his passing, I remember his friendship with fondness. Sincerely, Kim Sharpe - Posted by: Kim Sharpe (Friend) on: Jan 25, 2025

• I met Owen in the spring of 1963 when I was learning to fly at the Winnipeg Flying club. He was an instructor there and I ended up as his student. Owen finished off my commercial license and then checked me out on the Aeronca on wheels and then floats. Next was the Piper Apache MJQ. After I received my commercial license I joined Air Canada where we met again. Owen was hired just a few months after me and we ended up flying together. Later on he did his left seat flying with me. It was wonderful experience knowing and flying with him. Many years later Owen took my Son Jeremy for his first flight in his Beech Musketeer up at Victoria Beech. A 62 year friendship has sadly ended. He will be remembered by the Giguere family❤️ - Posted by: Dennis Giguere (Long time friend) on: Jan 25, 2025