A beloved brother, a much-loved uncle, a very successful multi-sport coach, and a dear friend to many, has passed away.
He was predeceased by his dad (Michael) in 1986 and his mom (Margaret) in 2005. Pat was born and raised in Victoria and is survived by his five siblings: Maureen, Ann, Sam, Jim (Su) and Rick (Shari). Numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and a helluva lot of ex-players. He was the valedictorian for the final graduation class of St. Louis College in 1968, where he excelled at both football and basketball. After attending UVic studies in both Education and Law, Pat turned and made a life devoted to social services, and spent the next 50 years dedicated and generously serving the Greater Victoria Region, including 30 years as the Executive Director of ‘Victoria Youth Empowerment Society’. At VYES he championed the needs of youth at risk and developed numerous programs which serviced those needs: VYES Kiwanis Emergency Youth Shelter, Life Skills Program, Youth and Family Support Services, Youth Hospitality Training Centre and Support for Independent Living to name a few. He also founded the only specialized youth detox centre in Victoria. For over 30 years, and with the success of these programs, Pat’s influence has successfully and positively changed the lives of thousands of youths who were at risk. He retired just two years ago at the age of 72. In 2022, Alan Lowe, former Mayor of Victoria (1999-2008) wrote in his letter of endorsement the following: “I have no hesitation in recommending Pat Griffin for the ‘Order of British Columbia’ award.”
AND for 55 years (1967 – present day) Pat has been keenly involved with coaching several amateur sports teams: football, rugby, and basketball. He took many of “his” teams to City, Provincial, and National Championships: Velox Rugby Club, James Bay Rugby Club, Knights of Columbus Football, Saanich Hornets Football Club, Farmer Construction Football, Trilec Junior Men’s Basketball, Belmont Senior Girls’ Basketball, Data Tech Senior Men’s Basketball, Arbutus Junior Girls’ Basketball, Camosun Chargers Women’s Basketball, and most recently, Lambrick Park Senior Girls’ Basketball. He was the Recipient of British Columbia’s Coaching Excellence Award by Basketball BC, presented to Pat by the late Paul Carson.
A passionate role model, Pat was admired, respected, and coached over 3,000 youth athletes during his time. He was a positive influence in the lives of many, both on and off the playing fields and hard courts, and spent most of his personal “free time” working with kids. Pat did far more for this city than most people know.
Pat loved “his” family. While attending weddings, birthdays for his many nieces and nephews, summer barbeques, Christmas festivities, Celebration of Life services, or any other gathering, rather than discussing his own challenging issues during these events, Pat would be the first to ask how his siblings were, or would talk to his nieces and nephews and their friends and inquire about their activities, or would offer to help a current or former athlete whenever possible. Of course, all of this was done with his own brand of humour, which will be sorely missed at all future gatherings. Pat always enjoyed the relationship with the individual(s) who he was in contact with at the moment. He was truly dedicated to the real concern of others. His siblings, his family, and “his” players, will miss him dearly and think of him often when we attend games at a lot of fields and basketball gymnasiums.
Service to be determined at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider your donation to the Victoria Youth Empowerment Society(VYES).
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Beverly (Griffin) Muller
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Theo K I first met Pat when I was around 11. I was his sister Ann’s friend and school mate. I fondly recall the numerous day’s spent as a child at the big house on Rockland and subsequently as a teenager at their Craigdarroch home. I considered the Griffins, especially mom Margaret, Ann and Sam, my family away from home.
As children, Pat, Ann, Sam and I would play endless games downstairs. We would make chalk pathways on the floor and follow them in hopes of tricking each other. As a teenager, Ann and I were cheerleaders for the SLC football/basketball team that Pat played for. He excelled in any sport he endeavored to partake in.
I am in awe, but not surprised, reading of his accomplishments with the youth in Victoria. What a beautiful tribute. The world needs more people like him.
To my beloved friends Ann and Sam, I mourn the distance that has been between us over the years and will cherish the time I spent with you and your family. When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.
My heartfelt condolences to the family on your loss.
My condolences to my cousins Maureen, Ann, Sam, Jim, and Richard. What a remarkable person Pat was.