While our hearts are heavy, we know Heaven is brighter, as our sweet Griffin passed away unexpectedly on March 27, 2022.
Griffin was welcomed to this world on February 12, 2020, by his mother, Rachel Anderson Relyea, his father, Ryan Crosbie Relyea, and his big sister, Miriam Rose (Rosie) Relyea. It was not more than a few weeks ago that Griffin was welcoming a baby brother, Gus William Relyea, into the family.
Griffin led a sweet and simple life full of love, joy, and exploration. He quickly won people over with his bright eyes, contagious laugh, and toothy grin. He was calm and tender, often showing affection by laying his head on your shoulder.
We cherish the time we had with him. Griffin was mom's companion and dad's best friend. Some of his favorite activities included going on a bear hunt in the forest with his mom and sneaking swigs of chocolate milk late at night with his dad.
He looked up to Rosie: following her everywhere, copying her every move, and giggling all along the way. He also looked forward to being a big brother. For the short time they were together, Griffin showered little Gus with as many kisses as he could.
He enjoyed library time, music makers, and nursery. He loved playing with his friends and often greeted them with hugs. He loved to move and play. Catching, kicking, and throwing anything that resembled a ball. Climbing, jumping, and sliding on or off any surface.
He was fascinated by nature. Throwing rocks, jumping in puddles, grabbing piles of leaves and throwing them up into the sky. Always amazed by each new discovery he encountered.
Griffin loved to talk, using his words at every opportunity. He was particularly thoughtful with his goodbyes and goodnights. Goodbye to the slide. Goodbye to the swing. Goodbye to the park. Before bed, he made sure to say goodnight to his family and his toys, each by name. It would bring a smile to our face to hear him say, “Night night Moana.”
He was blessed and given his name, Griffin Crosbie Relyea, by his father on June 28, 2020. He is survived by Ryan, Rachel, Rosie, and Gus, along with a huge extended family that loves him deeply. We are so grateful for all the love and support we have received from friends and family in both Utah and West Virginia.
The extreme joy Griffin brought to our family each day can only be expressed by the deep sorrow we feel now that he is no longer with us on this Earth. But still the sharpness of a life cut too short cannot sever the eternal bonds of our family. We are grateful--now more than ever--for Jesus Christ and his saving grace that will reunite us with our sweet Griff again.
The viewing and funeral services will be held on Friday, April 8, 2022, at Monument Park Ward Chapel, 1005 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT 84108. The viewing will be from 10:00 am to 11:30 am, and the funeral services will begin at 12:00 pm. Interment to follow at Wasatch Lawn.
We want you all to know our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bless you all. Thinking of you from Deutschland. May your hearts be comforted and spirits strengthened.
We are thinking of you, and Rachel and Ryan, Rosie and Gus. May the Lord be with you all as continue forward with this little Angel in front, leading the way.
Our hearts are broken, aching for every Anderson because we love every single Anderson so much! We ache with tragic intensity and love for you, Rachel, Ryan and dear Griffin. Bless you all with moments of peace somehow. We love you!
Mark, Annika and Cooks
Our hearts are heavy and so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful little child but know he'll be your little angel . . . always watching over you until he greets you on the other side when you leave this earth.
Much love~
The Holyoaks
Rachel, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your darling son Griffin. We love you and our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Love, your cousin Wendy
Your sweet family has all of our prayers at this time. We can’t know your loss but we can share our heartfelt sympathy and care. What a lucky little boy to have had you as family on this earth and beyond. We love the Andersons and Relyeas.
Dear Elder and Sister Anderson: What a beautiful tribute to sweet Griffin - beloved by his parents, grandparents, siblings and so many others. In his short life he has truly brought light, love, and joy and enhanced our lives with his wonder and happy smile - even to those like us, who never knew him. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. With our love, Elder Rob and Sister Gloria Lloyd
Ryan!
Words don’t have much meaning in these kinds of situations. I’m so sorry about your little Griffin, he looks like such a happy kid! I’m sorry that we have lost touch over the years, but I’m forever grateful for the way that we crossed paths.
Griffin will still be with you for the rest of your lives, and I know he’s excited for the day you reunite in the next life. We love you!
We are so very sorry for your loss. Your family has been in our thoughts and prayers. Heavenly Father is with you and loves you! I hope you are able to find comfort and peace.
Matt and I want to send you our love. You are in our prayers. Please know we are thinking of you and your family.
Matt and Colette Bundy
I was so touched and sadden to hear of your loss of Griffin. Thankfully, there is the plenitude of eternal life and hope/expectations within the gospel. God bless and comfort all of you.
We are heart broken for the loss of your son and grandson. What a beautiful boy!
Please know that our prayers are with you at this difficult time and may the Lord bless you with the comfort and peace you are so in need of.
Love,
Debby and Paul Wood
Relyea and Anderson family—
We don’t have words to describe our sorrow for the pain you are experiencing. Just know we love you. We are thinking of you and praying for you daily. May you be blessed with even the smallest glimmers of peace and comfort in the coming weeks and months.
Much love,
Heidi and Bryce Spere
Rachel- I am heartsick to hear of the loss of your precious Griffin. What a darling little guy! His obituary is so tender; I feel like I got know his darling ways. It is so beautifully expressed. You are in my prayers- truly.
Ruth (Lowe)
Cannot even begin to imagine the grief that you must be feeling. Be strong, you got this. Love, Daniel
Rachel, it feels like yesterday that I was your young women’s advisor. I still love you, and this news breaks my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sweet family.
Rachel and family -
I am so so sorry for your loss. What a sweet little boy. I’m grateful to have grown up in the ward with you and just know how deeply sorry I am to hear of his passing. Sending lots of love.
-Anna Edelman (Solomon) and family
How saddened this day that we learn of dear Griffin's leaving us. Our heart aches for your family at your loss of this sweet, infectious, loving little spirit that caught the attention of all with sweet little turned up smile. May the Lord bless and comfort you with His peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Mike and Melanie and family-
Please accept our sincere sorrow and condolences for your tragic loss. We pray that you will be surrounded and comforted with an abundance of the Savior's love. We know, having experienced the loss of a child, that you will be buoyed up by the love and prayers of those around you. It was a privilege for Bill to conduct the beautiful service for your beloved grandson.
Love, Karen and Bill Garff
We were very saddened to learn of your loss of your precious Griffin. From the tributes and gratitude for the time your family was blessed by this loving little boy, it's clear he will have an eternal place in your family, yet be very missed until you are reunited. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mike and Barbara Soulier
Sending you much love and prayers.
Polly Smith, Lewisburg Elementary PreK
Lewisburg WV