Obituary of Milton Shane John Griffiths
In Loving Memory of Milton Shane John Griffiths (July 23, 1958 – July 1, 2025)
Milton Shane John Griffiths was born in 1958 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, to Todd and Sharon Griffiths. Shane and his three sisters were lovingly raised by their grandparents, Ella and Milton Baker. Their influence left a lasting mark on Shane’s values—hard work, honesty, and deep care for others.
In 1976, Shane moved to Edmonton and began working in the construction trade. While there, he met and married the love of his life, Shelly. The two started their life together in Regina, where they lived for six months before Shane found work in Saskatoon with Wood Cogger, where he remained for 14 years.
Together, Shane and Shelly raised two daughters, Kirsti (Henry) and Kara (Scott), who were his pride and joy. His face lit up when he spoke about his grandchildren—Brandon, Tristen, and Tayah—as well as his cherished bonus grandsons, Miguel and Mateo. He loved them all deeply and endlessly.
In November 1992, Shane joined Carmont Construction in Saskatoon, but true to his determined spirit, a few years later he started his own company—Griffiths Construction. Built solely by word of mouth, Shane never needed to advertise. His craftsmanship, reliability, and heart spoke for themselves. He continued building with pride and integrity right until the end of his life.
Shane was a carpenter by trade, but it was far more than a job—it was a passion. He built with his hands, his heart, and his soul. What he left behind weren’t just foundations, but stories, memories, and legacies. He was so proud to be a carpenter.
Summers were spent at Burgis Beach, surrounded by laughter, family, and the peaceful rhythm of the lake. In 2022, Shane and Shelly made the move to their forever home there—a place they both loved deeply.
Some of Shane’s favorite pastimes included fishing, golfing, woodworking, collecting wood, and most importantly, spending time with his grandchildren, his dog Ella, and his beloved Shelly. These simple joys gave his life richness and meaning.
Shane was hilarious and witty, yet soft, tender, and deeply honest. He was a friend to so many, the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. To know Shane was to experience kindness, generosity, and humor in its purest form.
Always by his side was his beloved dog, Ella, who brought him endless comfort and joy. Their bond was something truly special—a quiet and loyal presence through every season of his life.
Shane was diagnosed with Stage 4 Glioblastoma brain cancer on January 19, 2025. He underwent a 5½ hour brain surgery in Regina on January 30, came out breathing on his own and chatty as could be. He spent just 24 hours in ICU before being moved to the fifth floor, was walking independently by February 2, and was released from the hospital on February 4.
He began daily chemo pills and 30 radiation treatments at the Saskatoon Cancer Clinic on March 27, finishing them all by May 9. Shane returned home to Burgis Beach with Shelly for a much-needed break from treatment. During that month, he was himself again—fixing things, doing smaller jobs, laughing, living. He was scheduled to resume chemo pills on June 9, but on June 7, he was admitted to the Canora Hospital.
Even in his final weeks, Dad reminded us who he was—steady, strong, and full of love. And at the end, we were doing it—just like he always said. Through laughter, through tears, and in quiet moments, his words echoed with us: “We’re doing it.” “Mint.” “it’s ok.”
These simple phrases carried so much weight. They were full of reassurance, full of Shane.
Shane and Shelly would have celebrated 48 years of marriage this October. Theirs was a love story built on laughter, loyalty, and unwavering support.
Shane’s laughter, warmth, and love will be missed more than words can express. His legacy lives on in every life he touched, and in the hearts of those who will never stop loving him.
A Celebration of Shane's Life was held on Friday, August 8, 2025 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre, with Crystal Bailey officiating.
Memorial donations may be made to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan as gifts of remembrance.
