Donald Francis Griffin
Sunrise February 3,1969
Sunset July 7,2026
Who walked through this world with a gentle step and a quiet heart.
The calm in every storm.
A quiet force of love and strength.
A gentle and peaceful presence.
Humble and respectful.
Reserved and serene.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved brother, Donald Francis Griffin, of Chapel Arm, who peacefully passed away at home where he was raised by his loving parents, Sadie and Vincent Griffin, on July 7,2026.
Born to Sadie and Vincent on the 3rd of February,1969, Donnie was a man who truly understood the beauty of a quiet life.
He didn’t need the noise or the spotlight to be content; instead, he found his greatest joy in solitude, peacefulness, and the steady comfort of those he loved.
Though he loved his quiet time, Donnie had a deeply generous heart. He was a man you could always count on, possessing a quiet willingness to help anyone in need. He didn’t offer his help for praise or recognition, but simply because it was who he was – a dependable, kind soul who showed his care through quiet actions rather than loud words.
In his younger days, Donnie brought an undeniable energy to the diamond. He was a gifted Fastpitch Softball pitcher. With a canon for an arm, he was known for his skill, focus and love for the game .
In 1983, The Long Harbour Youth roster took home the gold medal becoming Softball Newfoundland Pee-Wee “B” Minor Male Fastpitch Champions, a title he was so very proud of.
As the years slowed down, he traded the excitement of the field for the tranquil rhythms of a simple life.
Nothing paired better with his love for quiet moments than the soundtrack of his favourite country music idols, a lovely cuppa tea and a gentle nudge from his cat, Sadge, who he affectionately called “Missus”.
He spent countless hours listening to the storytelling of Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson which was passed down to him from older brother, Jim.
Like the outlaws of country music, he appreciated authenticity, honesty and a life well lived on one’s own gentle terms.
While he cherished his time alone, Donnie had an immense love for his family and close friends. Lifelong friends like Peter Power, Elliott Power and Andy Lahey , just to name a few.
When he was with the people that mattered most, his presence was a warm and comforting anchor.
He taught us all the profound value of slowing down, listening closely and finding peace in the present moment.
Donnie is survived by his 5 brothers who were also his best friends.
James (Helen), Gerald (Tammy), Darren (Shirley), Rodney (Christine), and his only younger brother Dwayne ( Shelly).
And his 5 adoring sisters who will forever miss his beautiful smile and gentle eyes.
Christine (Ellwood), Cecilia ( Jerome),
Sharon ( Rick), Glenda (Gus) and his only younger sister, Patricia ( Ken).
His beloved children who were his most valuable treasures and who he adored with all his heart. Daughter Amanda (Seth), son Jesse (Nysha) and their mother, Lisa.
And son Rob and his mother, Jennifer.
His grandchildren; Olive, Alice, Theo and William who brought the sparkle to his eyes and pure joy to his heart.
His large circle of nieces and nephews who loved and admired their Uncle Donnie and that love was reciprocated.
Special companion, Nancy Osmond and family and two very special little girls, Dallia and Liv.
A large circle of cherished friends.
He is predeceased by his loving parents, Vincent and Sadie Griffin; brother, Edward Griffin; nephews, Cody Griffin and Christopher Griffin; special brother in law,Greg Seifred; a very special uncle Michael (Mike) Griffin and cherished friend Michael (Mikey) Murphy.
In Donnie’s memory, put on a favourite Kris Kristofferson song, enjoy a quiet afternoon and raise a glass to a life well lived.
“Brother, you found your greatest joy in the beauty of quiet moments and peaceful solitude. May you find peace in the beautiful stillness you always loved.
Rest peacefully our gentle soul. We will love and miss you forever more and we will see you in another place, another time. Maybe on the pitcher’s mound.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
So, so sorry for your familles loss. I didn’t know Donnie well but sensed a calmness around him. A young man taken way too soon. My heart is saddened for the Griffin family especially my best friend Helen. R.I.P. Donnie.
Rest in peace Donny, condolences to his family and Griffin family and friends.
My deepest condolences to the family . May he R.I.P.
Thinking of you all at this very difficult time. our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hold your memories close RIP Donnie🙏🙏🙏
Our hearts are with the Griffin family and all who loved Donnie. He left this life so young; hopefully he is playing his country music and enjoying the company of friends and family who went before him.
All our love, Michell and Tom.
Rest in peace dear cousin ❤️
So sorry to hear of Donnies passing. Many fond memories from years past. My deepest condolences to all the family.
Our deepest condolences to the Griffin family.So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thinking of all of Donnie’s family and friends at this time.Donnie was a special guy.He was loved by many and will be missed by many people
Robert so sorry to learn of the loss of your Dad. He died too soon. Take care of yourself and your mother. Heather, Bill and David.
Sorry for your loss. Our condolences to you all at this sad and difficult time.
Sending my deepest love and sympathies to all
my Griffin cousins 🙏 Rest in peace Donnie💙
RIP Donnie. A young man gone way too soon. Sending my sincere condolences to all the family. Hugs to you all
My condolences to the Griffin family. I grew up
playing softball with Donnie in Long Harbour. He was a dominant pitcher. I’m glad to have had those great memories that Donnie and a major part in.
Donnie will be missed.
Condolences and love to my Griffin cousins. Sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolences to the Griffin Families.
May you rest in peace with your Mom & Dad.
My condolences. Donnie was a great person and will be remembered by anyone lucky enough to have crossed his path.
I love you dad no one in this world understood me the way you did and it meant everything to me because I had trouble understanding myself we had the same mannerisms rubbing our bald head when thinking or nervous biting the cheek dont know how I am gonna go without the hey pal phone calls but I will continue on like you showed me to do you were the best friend, dad, ear to listen to all my issues and teacher love you so much dad.
Sincere & heartfelt condoléances to all of Donny’s family & friends.
May his kind & gentle soul R.I P
Our condolences to all the families. Rest in peace.
I will miss you terribly, gone but never forgotten!!! Thank you for so many memories that I will hold close to my heart. Until we meet again my friend!!!
Most Valuable Player (The MVP)
My sincerest condolences to the Griffin families on behalf of the Norman and Bruce Families of Long Harbour.
Donnie meant the world to so many people, including my Mom and Dad, Mark and Monnie Norman. Mom absolutely loved him, and Dad would drive to Nashville and back just to give Donnie a ride to the Long Harbour ballfield. Even Nan Bruce would make him lunch between ball games and tournaments, it was a joyful time. Donnie had an everlasting enlightening effect on people.
Whenever Donnie was pitching, the rest of us practically had the day off in the field. What an arm he had “THE CANNON” and an even bigger heart. For such a kind and caring person, he was an incredibly stingy pitcher.
I played on many teams with Donnie, and can say without a doubt in August of 1983 he single-handedly led Long Harbour to the All-Newfoundland Pee-Wee Softball B Championship to win the gold medal. In the championship game against Corner Brook, he struck out 12 batters and delivered a performance none of us will ever forget. Wonderful times, and the memories still bring me home.
Love you, brother. Rest easy, and we will catch up with you down the road—a true Highwayman…Donald Francis Griffin…Always remembered.
Mark, thank you so much for that beautiful tribute to our brother, Donnie.
He loved you like a brother and I’ll never forget how close you both were.
Truest of friends.
The Griffin family extends their sincere thanks for the many kind expressions of sympathy and condolence. We will always remember, love, and miss our brother, Donnie.
So very sorry for your loss.
I knew Donnie in his younger years when we lived close by to the Griffin family. Sadie was my first cousin .
Donnie was a sweet little boy, so mild and friendly .
I know he will be sadly missed by his siblings and all who knew him …RIP .
Rest in peace Donnie. He was a great guy. He taught me the words to Kris Kristoffersons
Sunday Morning Coming Down before i ever heard it.