Dok Griff: still in bloom

By Leone Jones
| Fri, February 03, 2012 - 12:00 AM

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He’s gone though he is still in bloom,

A flower, oh so rare!

A petal blooms and dies today.

Oh! What a sad, sad, day!

Goodbye, my dear; we love you so!

Until we meet again.

For days will come and days will go,

But it will never be the same.

Henderson Andrew Magnus Philnoir Griffith, better known as “Dok Griff”, was born on February 14, 1946, and died on October 22, 2011, at age 65 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

He referred to himself as Andrew or “Dok Griff”; never Henderson. He was a placid but no-nonsense family man who tolerated no indecent behaviour.

He readily lent a helping hand.

This established him as a leading figure in the community where he resided and in numerous others where he was well known.

One of his great loves was caring for children – all children. “Dok Griff” was the adoptive father, stepfather and grandfather to many of those who referred to him as “Grand-pops”.

His house was a second home and a learning centre for all of them who congregated there each day. Every child was welcome; no one turned away.

“Dok Griff” taught for several years before he entered the field of nursing, ending his career as a nursing officer.

He was a charismatic person who would often regale others with anecdotes and jokes, making them laugh uproariously. He himself often enjoyed hearing jokes and would laugh uproariously too at them.

He was also a great advocate for correctness and fairness.

I commend “Doc Griff” for his work and contribution to mankind and the society. He will be missed and remembered by many. May his soul rest in peace and rise in glory.