Wayne John Griffith, 61, died January 9, 2019, at Dixie Regional Medical Center in Saint George, Utah. He was born on September 28, 1957, in Brisbane, Australia, to Kevin Griffith and Leila Jean Maguire. Wayne married Carol Ann Harris on September 25, 2000, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
From the age of 15, Wayne worked in the timber industry, beginning as a pay master’s assistant at a timber yard in Brisbane. Throughout his career, he worked in multiple aspects of the timber trade, from managing a timber yard in Cairns, Australia through attaining a degree in forestry at Brisbane’s Kangaroo Point Technical College and eventually serving as the customer service representative and technical expert for BR 111 Exports, a wood flooring company that specializes in Brazilian hard wood flooring. Wayne did take a break from the timber business for a few years in his early 20’s to work as a commercial fisherman on the scallop boats berthed in Saint Helens, Tasmania.
Wayne was quite devoted to his family and friends. His quick wit and self-deprecating humor charmed those around him. He typically spread laughter and smiles wherever he went. His natural charm and appreciation of life’s absurdities endeared him to many throughout the years. Wayne was a loyal friend and an avid punter. He loved betting on the Australian horse races, whether it be the Grafton Cup, the Melbourne Cup, racing at Eagle Farm in Brisbane, his home race track, or at “The Bool”, a race track in Warrnambool, Victoria. He enjoyed cooking for family and friends, growing vegetables and herbs in the back yard, a good yarn, and watching the sun set over the Pacific Ocean in Australia and the Virgin Mountains in Mesquite. His kindness and humor made a lasting impression on so many.
Wayne loved well and continues to be well loved. His ready smile and “G’day mate!” greeting are sorely missed.
Wayne is survived by his wife and best friend of 18 years, Carol Harris of Mesquite, Nevada, his sisters Patricia Griffith and Lynn Griffith of Brisbane, Australia, his mother-in-law Josephine Harris of Silver Spring, MD, his sister-in-law Sheila Harris, Silver Spring, MD, his brothers-in-law Bill Harris of Columbia, MD, and Mark Harris (Lisa) of Frederick, MD, and his nephews Anthony Harris (Stephanie) of Hudson, FLA, William Harris of Columbia, MD and Michael Harris of Frederick, MD, as well as close friends in Australia, England and the United States. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents and his father in law, William J. Harris. Rest in peace, my love.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the following groups for their continued care and support:
Aumbria Health
Mesquite Pharmacy
Virgin Valley Dental
Bountiful Baskets Mesquite site volunteers
Mesquite Fitness staff and members
Smith’s Meat and Seafood Department staff
Mesquite Police Citizen Volunteer Patrol
Mesquite Toes Dance Troupe
To a dear lady and one I consider a friend. The obituary notice for Wayne-John Griffith, beloved husband of Carol Harris, brought on tears. It is so, so hard to lose a spouse. My heart goes out to Carol, one of our dancers and a wonderful dance instructor with the Mesquite Toes. She is an inspiration to all of us. May God bless and guide you both on your future journeys both separate and yet still together always. Much love.