On Saturday morning we officially unveiled the street signs for “Roger Griffiths Avenue” in the Mapleton neighbourhood in Stittsville. We held a short ceremony at Maize Park, followed by a procession to the new street led by bagpiper Jordan McConnell. Roger’s daughters Lynn Griffiths and Heather Kristjansson spoke on behalf of the family.
Thanks to family, friends, and neighbours who joined us!
Photos and videos by Kavisha Ankur for 613 in Focus.
About Roger Griffiths
Arthur Roger Griffiths (always known as Roger) joined the Royal Canadian Armed Forces in August 1942. He served the duration of World War II with no overseas service. He was an instructor and trained Commonwealth pilots at CFB Uplands and the Carp Airport. Mr. Griffiths was commissioned to Flying Officer in October 1943. Mr. Griffiths was awarded the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and War Medal 1939-1945, as well as the General Service Badge and Royal Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Badge upon discharge.
He was a long-time resident of Stittsville, serving as Councillor for the Township of Goulbourn from 1977 to 1978 and again from 1982 to 1988 until his passing in 1988. Mr. Griffiths also served as president of the Stittsville Royal Canadian Legion branch for five terms, and played a significant role in the erection of the Stittsville cenotaph. For his many years of involvement, Mr. Griffiths was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Legion’s highest honour.
Every year, the Roger Griffiths Memorial Citizen of the Year award is presented to a Stittsville resident who best exemplifies leadership and long-standing commitment to volunteering and making a difference in our community. The street blade for Roger Griffiths Avenue, located in the Richcraft Homes Mapleton subdivision in Stittsville, features the Poppy symbol, the universal sign of remembrance.
This was made possible through the City’s Veterans Commemorative Street Naming program, a partnership with the City, Veterans Affairs Canada and the Royal Canadian Legion. You can look for these signs installed in newer neighbourhoods all over Ottawa. Roger Griffiths Avenue is the first Veterans Commemorative Street in Stittsville.