His passion, kindness and zest for life drew people into his orbit, with many entranced by his spirit which overflowed with generosity, even to his final breath. 

Mr Griffin, who in his 89 years lived in Culcairn, Beechworth, Wodonga and beyond, died peacefully after a long illness on March 4. 

But even though he is gone, his generosity is living on. Before his death, Mr Griffin called long-time friend and Albury-Wodonga Old Time Muso Dance organiser Bev Grunow to let her know everything for her next dance was already paid for – and make the request that all profits go to the Albury Wodonga Cancer Centre.

“He was a beautiful man who did so much to help others, practically to his last breath,” she said.

Ms Grunow said the world would be a better place if more people in it were like “our Johnny”.

She said his recent funeral was packed with people who John’s life had touched; builders who worked as apprentices with him in Culcairn, fellow Chrysantheum growers, dancers from across NSW and Victoria, and more. 

“He was always giving, when he couldn’t drive anymore he offered me his car to give away to someone in need,” she said.

“He was a giver all his life, he gave so much to so many different organisations and people he knew, he won a Beechworth and District Certificate of Achievement in 2012 for his work with the Men’s Shed.”

Besides his charity John was well known for his dance moves and the beautiful flowers he grew.

“I knew him for probably 16 years, when I first started dancing I met him straight away,” Ms Grunow said.

“He taught me some dances, he passed away at 89 but right up until then he was still on the dance floor four times a week.”

Ms Grunow said she was honoured that his final wish was to be remembered at one of her dance events.

“I’m just so proud I can do this for him and also to include everyone in the area who dances so we can get together and have a special event,” she said.

“I feel he must have had a lot of regard for me, I was very touched he wanted me to do this.”

Ms Grunow said Saturday was also the 91^st birthday of John’s partner – on and off the dance-floor – Noreen Brown. Saturday’s  dance at Lavington’s Mirambeena Hall starts at 7.30pm, and is open to all, with Mr Griffin requesting a big event.

Mr Griffin is survived by his partner Noreen, his children and their partners Pamela and Don, Sharon and Greg, Brian and Fiona, Anthony and Vivien, as well as 14 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.