Richard John Griffiths (OS 1969)
It is with great sadness that we have to record the death of Richard Griffiths on 31st January 2015.
After gaining a first class honours degree in German at Sheffield University, Richard taught for four years. He then joined the family business, JT Griffiths and Co, supplying mattress ticking to the bed manufacturing industry developing links with Italy, South Africa, Turkey and China.
He also took time to found Peak Sports with Bob Cooke in 1981. From 1997 to 2005 he was a magistrate for Tameside.
He was married in September 1983 to Karen and their sons James, Matthew, Mark and Robert were born between 1985 and 1992.
Richard was a tireless advocate for the school and the Old Stopfordians’ Association (OSA) which he joined in 1988. He was president in 1996 and secretary from 2005. He was also governor of the School (nominated by the OSA) from 1999 to 2005. Richard was meticulous in everything that he did and once he had committed to a project one could be sure that every aspect and detail was given his closest attention.
It is perhaps for his love of, and involvement with, lacrosse that many will most remember him. From an early age his goalkeeping skills developed rapidly and not only did he eventually play on the school first team, but also on the OSA first team while still at school.
International selection for England followed and then several years playing and coaching in the north-west. In 1997 he returned to play for Old Stops and occupied the goalkeeping position on the first team for many years thereafter. His last team appearance was in March 2013 at age 61.
Richard held many administrative and coaching posts and was instrumental two years ago in the amalgamation of the Stopfordian Lacrosse Club with the Norbury Club.
Last year he was awarded a prestigious national award, a Centurian Award for his dedication to lacrosse over so many years.
Richard’s untimely death will leave a huge gap in the lives of his many friends and family for whom he cared deeply, in particular his sons and Jay who had been an important part of Richard’s life for a number of years.
