GRIFFITH, Robert Neil (Neil)

Sadly, we share that Neil died on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, aged 95. He was born May 25, 1927, in Orange, NSW, Australia and lived at 81 North Street, Morrinsville for 53 years. Many will recall with a smile the image of him sitting in his window as they passed by. Neil lived his life with energy, a quick smile and loved to help, use his mechanical skills, and volunteer in his community. Fiercely independent, Neil enjoyed and valued his friends. He is the loved father of Kerryellen Vroman, Valerie Kurmann, and father-in-law of Eugen Kurmann, a proud grandfather of Alexandra and Adrian and their partners Margaret and Rose, and a delighted great-grandfather to Carter and Sebastian Kurmann. He will be missed by his brother, Ken and the Griffith family of nephews and nieces. Neil was predeceased by his wife, Elsie, son Robert, sister Marion and brothers Bede and Brian. To have an airplane ticket, a small suitcase and be travelling was a lifelong pleasure that began as a young man working in Canada. In retirement, he travelled extensively especially to North America and Australia. Similarly, he knew the roads and countryside of NZ, which he loved to share with visitors. Neil was a life member of the Morrinsville lawn bowling club, a sport he played with a competitive spirit. He will be missed.
And the bush hath friends to meet him, and their kindly voices greet him
In the murmur of the breezes and the river on its bars,
And he sees the vision splendid of the sunlit plains extended,
And at night the wond’rous glory of the everlasting stars. (Banjo Paterson)
A memorial service will be planned in February 2023.