Thursday, 3rd September 2015
Graeme “ Griffo “ Harold Griffiths age 65 years and a member of Sandringham Yacht Club for 52 years died suddenly last Wednesday August 26 2015 after a short illness.
Graeme joined SYC as a 13 year old junior member and commenced his sailing life in Cadet dinghy’s before moving into the Gwen class which was very popular at that time. His love of the sea which became a life long passion coupled with sailing saw him quickly taking up keel boat racing. Being strong and agile he was a natural fore deck hand and over many years excelled in this crew position as his domain on various yachts. Whatever the need “ Griffo “ would step in without hesitation to resolve the situation whether going up the mast in a gale to untangle halyards or sorting out a “ stuff up “ , he was an invaluable team member. For many years he sailed on Apollo II ( affectionately know as the ‘ Fanta Can ‘ due to its aluminium hull and orange colour ) which was a top ranking keel boat owned by Dick and Ian Thurston . With a tight knit crew who have remained close friends over the years they successfully competed in ocean and bay races including the Sydney to Hobart ( Griffo did a total of 17 races over the years ) and the Great Circle Race . He also sailed on Bacardi in the Sydney to Suva race.
After completing school at Hampton High Graeme joined the National Bank and quickly rose through the ranks to holding a senior staff position before retiring at age 53 years. Due to his acquired knowledge and expertise the bank offered him a consulting position which he held for the following three years.
With his financial knowledge “ Griffo “ accepted the position as Treasurer of SYC at the time of the new marina development. His attention to ensuring that this project came to fruition did not only involve the financing of the marina but with his knowledge of the vagaries of the sea he became an unpaid overseer of its construction.
Moving to live in Portsea Graeme was able to further enjoy his love of fishing and sea diving including caving. Cray fish , scallops and his much enjoyed flathead were his preference with many friends having shared in the catch of the day. He also became involved with Couta Boat sailing at Sorrento.
Graeme with his full on approach to life was a good friend to many people . His dry humour , quick repartee and practical jokes endeared him to all those that he knew throughout his life. He will be sadly missed but always remembered . We extend our sympathy and support to his wife Doris.
A celebration of Graeme’s life was held at the W. D. Rose Funeral Home last Wednesday morning September 2 followed by a gathering of his family and friends , who came from Interstate and Overseas to remember “ Griffo “ , in the Port Phillip Room at the club.
Kevin Wood