Tribute & Message From The Family
Luke Haig Griffin, of Newtonville, formerly of Cambridge, born Dec. 13, 2001 died tragically and unexpectedly on November 27, 2017. Loving son of Julia Slayton and Brad Griffin; adoring nephew of Mark and Janet Slayton of Millis, James Slayton of Camden, ME, Marguerite and Stuart Esrock of Louisville, Kentucky, and Randall and Carol Griffin of Dallas, TX.; devoted cousin to Katharine, Asa, Benjamin, Hannah and Drew; loving grandson of Sylvia Slayton of Newtonville, who predeceased him, and of Charles and Dawn Griffin, formerly of Sedona, AZ; godson of the Sisters of St. Anne-Bethany and the late bishop, M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE; as well as a cherished relative, neighbor, and friend to many.
Luke loved the peace and beauty of nature, canoeing in the early mornings at Walden Pond, fly fishing, playing golf with family and friends, walks in woods and fields with his parents and his dog, Daisy; skiing, hiking, cycling, photography, days in Maine with his cousins, visits with his uncles and visits with family in AZ. He enjoyed building an extension on his shed, woodworking, making finished pieces, learning from videos and This Old House, always at work on outdoor and indoor projects. He was also equally interested in politics and history and at ease in the care of others whether in hospitals, home, or neighborhood. His early years were at Graham and Parks Elementary School in Cambridge and then at The Carroll School in Lincoln and most recently online course work through Newton South. He was extremely perceptive and enthusiastic about learning and fostering community. Noticing what was needed to help others contribute. He faced into his learning challenges with dyslexia with hope and persistence, finding ways to engage and be supported through the Tufts Center for Reading and Language Research, the Carroll School, and devoted tutors. Above all, Luke will be remembered for being an unusually caring 15 year old, known for his kind soul, gentle smile, genuine interest in the other, and his enduring loving presence that permeated every encounter. His circle of family was wider than relatives, and included neighbors, teachers, and friends of all ages.
A service in thanksgiving for his life will be held on December 8th at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 76 Eldredge St., Newton, MA 02458. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests offerings in his honor to one or both of the following places: Bethany House of Prayer where Luke was nurtured and contributed to making it a welcoming and beautiful retreat center, his hand is everywhere upon that place, caring for the labyrinth, St. Gabriel's, and retreats and St. Anne's Days.. Luke was also helped by the advocacy of Maryanne Wolf in her work on dyslexia which continues through the UCLA Dyslexia Initiative. Contributions in thanksgiving for Luke can be made to Bethany House of Prayer, 181 Appleton St., Arlington, Ma 02476 or UCLA Foundation: UCLA Dyslexia Intiative, UCLA Graduate School of Education, Attn: Amy Lassere, 2043 Moore Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1521, please note, "in honor of Luke."
Condolence & Memory Journal
Dear Mr. Griffin and Ms. Slayton
My name is Isabel Barner and I went to school with Luke at the Carroll School from grade 5 to 8. Luke, Jasen DiLetizia, and Ihad math class together for two years and we were taught by Ms. Brown. She called us The Three Amigos. I remember Luke as a kind funny guy who loved talking about politics and golf , cars. Luke came into math class one day all excited telling me, Jasen and Ms. Brown that he was getting a puppy. He sent me photos of Daisy on snapchat and said ' here is my dog daisy '. I replied back to him saying she is adorable. I remember when I wore my Seattle Seahawks sweatshirt to school and Luke said you like the Seattle Seahawks too. I said oh yeah I love them he said I love Marshawn Lynch, I said same. So ever since he knew that he would tell me how they were doing and ask me if I watched the games. I did. We could just talk about if for a long time. I also remember the year the Patriots were doing so good and Seattle Seahawks were too and I said to Luke before they even played in the super bowl together, I said wouldn't' it be cool if they played in the super bowl together and our dream came true.
I am so sorry for your loss. Luke was a very special guy. I will miss him a lot.
Sincerely Isabel Barner ( Izzy)
Posted by
Isabel Barner - Medford Ma, MA - Friend December 25, 2017
Dear Julia and family,
My sincerest sympathy for the loss of this gifted young man.
-Sandra Mongeon
Posted by
A friend December 21, 2017
Dear Mr, Ms. Griffin
Luke was my best friend for 5 years and I wish we had hung out more together And I wish I could have been there more for him this year. I am never going to forget Luke. There will always be a place in my heart for him. I wish I could have made it to the funeral for him but I was busy in Canada. I sat in our chapel and said a prayer for him and you guys. I can't imagine what your family is going through right now. One of my best memories with Luke was graduating from 8th grade at Carroll and seeing how happy he was with his accomplishments. I will always remember that and all the great times golfing with him. I would really like to see his grave and say my last goodbye to Luke and hope to see you guys and be there for you and to remember a great strong friend who I cherished very much. I for sure he is healthy and well in heaven. I am very sorry for your loss. And I'm for sure that Daisy will miss him a lot. I remember when he would come to school and talk about how much he loved daisy. He will be missed alot by so many people. I wish you and your family the best of luck and may faith be in our hearts.
Posted by
Jack Binda - Boston, MA - friend December 19, 2017
Dear Mr, Ms. Griffin
Luke was my best friend for 5 years and I wish we had hung out more together And I wish I could have been there more for him this year. I am never going to forget Luke. There will always be a place in my heart for him. I wish I could have made it to the funeral for him but I was busy in Canada. I sat in our chapel and said a prayer for him and you guys. I can't imagine what your family is going through right now. One of my best memories with Luke was graduating from 8th grade at Carroll and seeing how happy he was with his accomplishments. I will always remember that and all the great times golfing with him. I would really like to see his grave and say my last goodbye to Luke and hope to see you guys and be there for you and to remember a great strong friend who I cherished very much. I for sure he is healthy and well in heaven. I am very sorry for your loss. And I'm for sure that Daisy will miss him a lot. I remember when he would come to school and talk about how much he loved daisy. He will be missed alot by so many people. I wish you and your family the best of luck and may faith be in our hearts.
Posted by
jack binda - boston, MA December 19, 2017
Our hearts are broken and just full of despair, we love Luke so very much. And both of you, so much. So very grateful to have had the time together in October.
Janet, Simeon and Amy
Posted by
A friend December 14, 2017
Luke was a shining light in our lives and will continue to be a shining star, in our memory. Recently, we remember him joyfully scampering along the beach,capturing photographs of twisted pieces of driftwood, otters at play, and bald eagles that flew past our deck in the Pacific Northwest.He had a lust for life.He always stole our hearts with his gentle smile. He blessed us, just by being in our lives. We shall miss him - always. Poppy and Amma Dawn
Posted by
Dawn and Chuck Griffin - Sedona, AZ - Grandparent December 14, 2017
Devastating to hear this tragic news. I remember Luke from our early morning carpools. Always with his sweet smile and gentle way. My heart goes out to you.
Posted by
Jodie Siegel - Cambridge, MA December 11, 2017
I am so sorry. I remember Luke's sweet smile and gentle soul. He was a lovely child and it sounds like he grew into an amazing young man. There are no words that are adequate, but my heart is with you.
Posted by
Ann Niederkorn - Cambridge, MA - Teacher December 08, 2017
Posted by
Charlene Arzigian - Watertown, MA December 08, 2017
I was heartbroken to hear about Luke. Even as a little boy he was one of the sweetest, kindest souls I've ever known.
Mary Castiglione
Posted by
Mary Castiglione - Arlington, MA - teacher December 07, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I remember spending hours talking about fishing and playing basketball with him, one of the kindest people i have ever met.
Posted by
Anthony - Stow, MA - Classmate December 06, 2017
Deepest condolences to you. So much love for you from our family.
Posted by
Kirsten Hardy - Belmont, MA December 06, 2017
My profound condolences. Luke was such a sweet and gentle soul. We shared some wonderful moments shingling the roof of Thoreau's cabin and working in the wood shop at Carroll School. My heartfelt prayers are with you. Pax vobiscum.
Posted by
Bob Reid - Townsend, MA - Teacher December 06, 2017
It is hard to believe the unfathomably sad news about your wonderful, sweet boy. Unbearable for you, and your loss so new and profound that I do not know how you maintain your beautiful faith in God. But you doand you will find some solace there. Still, one cannot think of Luke without loving his gentleness, his thoughtfulness, his kindness and knowing he is so suddenly gone is heartbreaking for any of us who knew him, and beyond words for you, his parents who knew and loved him the most. Such a special boy.
I am just so sorry and so sad.
With love, Piper
Posted by
PIper Morris - Arlington, MA - Family Friend December 06, 2017
Sending condolences on your tragic loss. I can't even imagine how difficult this is. But you are all in my thoughts and prayers knowing that God's love for us and especially for Luke is so much more than we can even imagine. May Luke rest in peace and rise in glory, and may the peace of Christ surround you in a tangible way.
Posted by
Amy Cook - San Francisco, CA - Friend December 06, 2017
I was so sorry to learn of Luke's death, and am holding you and yours in my prayers. I know he will live in your hearts until you meet again. No doubts that Sylvia, Tom, and those closest to him and to you are with him in paradise. Prayers for peace and comfort in the days and years ahead.
Posted by
Sheryl Kujawa-Holbrook - Upland, CA - Friend December 06, 2017
Thinking of you all at this time. Love, Kim
Posted by
Kim Effron - Lexington, MA - Teacher December 05, 2017
My heart hurts for this beautiful young man and all the people who knew him. I did not work directly with Luke when he was at G&P, but I certainly knew him. He was always so gentle and positive and open and accepting. My deepest sympathies to Luke's family and friends.
Posted by
Kathy Greeley - Cambridge, MA - Teacher December 05, 2017
Sweet, loving, quiet and handsome are the first qualities that I that think of to describe Luke; all gifts that were fostered by Julia and Brad. In faith, I know that God will comfort everyone that is grieving but in my mind, I have no idea how that will happen- only that it will. I am very grateful that God is larger than my imagination and I am praying for the solace that only God can provide in such a painful time. Peace.
Posted by
Michael Hamilton - Natick, MA - Friend December 05, 2017
My condolences to the family. Our lord father promises that very soon he will bring back our loved ones and we will never lose them again. Isaac 25:8
Posted by
A friend December 05, 2017
I have such fond memories of Luke. He was a gentle soul with a great heart. In kindergarten and in first grade I had the pleasure of working with him. Luke was learning to read and write stories about the things he enjoyed doing. He would write about his mom and dad and the great experiences they had together. It was easy to see that he was loved very much.
My heart goes out to the family.
Posted by
Florinda Freda - Cambridge, MA - Teacher December 04, 2017
A gentle and beautiful child! I was blessed to be able to teach Luke for first and second grade. I will always remember his bright smile! Rest with the angels sweet boy!
Posted by
Debra Gadsden-Holiday - Cambridge, MA - Teacher December 04, 2017
