ANTHONY (TONY) HUGH NELSON GRIFFIN

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ANTHONY (TONY) HUGH NELSON GRIFFIN

We are saddened to announce the passing of our Dad, Anthony Hugh Nelson Griffin (Tony) in his 90th year. Dad passed away peacefully at his home in Brandon, MB on August 27th, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.

Dad was born in Port Coquitlam, British Columbia May 15th, 1937.He was predeceased by his parents Major Burville Dayton Griffin and Gladys (Tid) Guernsey Griffin, sisters Margot Griffin, Naomi Griffin, Davida Griffin Turton (Charles), Susan Griffin Bürgel (Bruno) his wife Florence “Colleen” Ducharme Griffin and brother-in-law William Ducharme.

Dads’ education began in Kelowna and he continued there until Grade 9, at which time he attended St George’s Boys School in Vancouver, BC till grade 11. He completed his final year in Kelowna.

In his youth Dad skated competitively and won many figure skating championships and eventually turned pro at 17.

After his skating career he began his studies at the University of Victoria. After 2 years of university opportunity presented itself in the hospitality industry which led him on different career path.

On May1, 1961 Dad arrived in Brandon by train. He was coming here for a new job as Assistant Manager of the Prince Edward Hotel. Dad tells the story that he arrived in Brandon to such a big wide open blue sky, his first time on the prairies. It was a memory he would recount many times over his lifetime. He ended up spending more than a decade managing former CN Hotels which were purchased by his employer AT Hotels. These included Minaki Lodge in Minaki, Ontario, Prince Arthur Hotel in Thunder Bay, Ontario and the Prince Edward Hotel in Brandon, Manitoba.

The Prince Eddy was where he spent most of his time and ended up becoming the General Manager. It is also where he met mom. He and mom were married for 41 years before her passing. There are many memories of the Prince Eddy that we all have. Up until this day there are many people who know or recognize Dad from the Prince Eddy days. Oh the stories he could tell about the hotel and its era.

In the early 1970’s Mom and Dad built their family home on Grand Valley “Griffin Arms” where they lived and raised their family for 37plus years. Oh Dad loved the house on Grand Valley and it was a very sad day when he left it and moved into Brandon in 2009. He loved the views and location and peace and the pool and his gardens. Oh the memories out at the valley we all had; there were parties, weddings, holidays, pool time and family time.

After more than a decade in the hospitality industry Dad worked for Crown Life for several years. Just prior to leaving the insurance industry Dad became involved in opening and running several businesses. He and Mom owned and ran Flower Mart for about a dozen years and by the mid to late 80’s the recession of the 80’s took its toll and Mom and Dad ended up losing the flower shops. This event scarred Dad for years to come. They eventually ended up running several successful businesses until their retirement; The Yukon Tea Room in downtown Brandon, the Embers Restaurant and Griff’s Sports Lounge at the Brandon Rec Centre. During those 5 years at the Rec Centre they hosted the World Curling Championships and the 1997 Canadian Summer Games.

Throughout the years Dad served his community by sitting on many boards and volunteering with organizations including Brandon Lions Club, Brandon Chamber of Commerce, the1979 Winter Games, Brandon Figure Skating Club, the Daly House Museum and the Navy Sea Cadets. He was President of both the Brandon CNIB and the Brandon Allied Arts Centre.

Dad supported the Daly House Museum by way of opening his home for tours of his vast collection of the Prince Edward Hotel furniture and collectibles and history on behalf of the museum. His support went even further as a participant of the filming of the “Tales from the Eddy” a Film on the Prince Edward Hotel history produced for Bell/MTS.

His most recent and final contribution was in November 2025 when he was asked to present his memories and participate in a Q&A on the history of Brandon’s Iconic Prince Eddy.

Outside of work, Dad had a true passion for gardening, art, antiques and travelling. He always said he was so fortunate to visit almost all of Canada, and several locations in the United States, Mexico, the Bahamas, Hawaii, Holland, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic, Croatia, Austria, China and Tanzania, Serengeti – African Safari.

While in retirement Dad pursued higher education and worked towards a fine arts degree. He did this part time and met many students and instructors that led to new friendships after Mom passed away.

Dad was very proud of all of his children & grand children and their accomplishments. He was always interested in what they were doing in their lives and looked forward to their visits.

In Dad’s final years he was fortunate to have old friends remain in his life, meet new friends and have old friends reappear. He always said that he had a full life with more than he could ever wish for.

“SINE TIMORE AUT FAVORE” – “Without fear or favour”

It was the motto of St Georges Boys School. Dad felt that this motto had tremendous feeling and impact on his life. He believed it reflected the school’s commitment to character, education and highlights a set of core values, empathy, humility, integrity, respect, responsibility and resilience. “Words to live by” he said.

Dad is survived by his daughters Suesan Edwards (Le Mont), Maria Boudehane (Amar), sons Christopher Griffin (Karin) Darius Griffin (Melissa), Grandchildren Al, Kiera, Dane, Spencer (Mikaila), Emma (Mitchell) and Great Grandchildren Blake and Jace.

We would like to thank the Prairie Mountain Health Homecare Coordinator/Nurse Trina Martens and her team for all her help and guidance in fulfilling Dads wishes to remain in at home till his passing.

A Funeral service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, September 5th, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Matthews Anglican Cathedral, 403 13th Street, Brandon, Manitoba.

Donations can be made “In Memory of Anthony (Tony) Griffin” to the Daly House Museum, 122-18th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 5A4 or a charity of your choice.

CONDOLENCES

www.brockiedonovan.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Aug 29, 2026