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WAYNE GRIFFIN
Born: Aug 07, 1943
Date of Passing: Jun 05, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryWAYNE GRIFFIN
Wayne Griffin passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, at the Assiniboine Centre of Brandon Regional Health Centre.
Born August 7, 1943, in North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Arthur Wayne was the third of four children born to Arlie and Mary Griffin. He was raised on the family farm in Sandwith, Saskatchewan, where he developed a strong work ethic and a lifelong love of sports, especially fastball.
In 1967, Wayne moved to Brandon to begin his career with Simplot, where he worked as an Instrument Mechanic until his retirement in 1998. That same year, a fastball game introduced him to the love of his life, Gladys. They married in 1968 and built a life together centred on family, friendship, and the activities they loved. For 48 years, they shared countless memories through camping trips, curling, fastball, and time spent with those they loved most.
Wayne had a lifelong passion for sports, particularly fastball and curling. Whether playing, umpiring, officiating, organizing, or volunteering, he gave generously of his time and talents. His dedication earned him many honours, including induction into the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame and Honourary Life Membership with Curl Manitoba. While he appreciated the recognition, those who knew Wayne best understood that he never volunteered for awards - he simply believed in giving back.
Wayne was also a longtime member of UCT and a dedicated volunteer, particularly with Monday Night Bingo. Wayne was the person people could count on. He quietly stepped forward whenever help was needed, offering his time, wisdom, and steady presence. He believed deeply in sportsmanship, treating others with respect, and doing things the right way. Those values extended far beyond the ball diamond and curling rink and were reflected in every aspect of his life.
Retirement brought more time for golfing, curling, the CFL, his Toronto Blue Jays and most importantly, supporting his grandchildren. Few things brought Wayne greater pride and joy than watching Ty and Julia grow and spending time watching them play many sports but mostly their hockey games.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Suzanne (Yorgo) Halamandaris and Allison (Kevin) Lone; his beloved grandchildren, Ty and Julia Lone; his siblings, Arlene (Maurice) Nachtegaele, Doug (Sharon) Griffin, and Ernie (Marge) Griffin; sister-in-law Annie Woloski; nephew and godson Jason Woloski; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and fellow volunteers.
Wayne was predeceased by his beloved wife, Gladys (2017); his parents, Arlie and Mary Griffin; nephew Jimmy Nachtegaele; Gladys' parents, Nick and Stella Kelunick; and brother-in-law John Woloski.
Wayne's greatest legacy is not found in the awards he received, but in the lives he touched. He will be remembered for his kindness, his generosity, his sense of fairness, and his unwavering devotion to family, friends, and community. He made every team, every organization, and every gathering better simply by being part of it.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Arrangements with Brockie Donovan are pending.
Donations in memory of Wayne may be made to the Ashley Neufeld Softball Complex or charity of one’s choice.
As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 13, 2026