Rich Griffin named Rogers 'Employee of the Year'

Local radio host Rich Griffin, who passed away from a brain aneurysm last May, is being honoured by the company he worked for.

His wife Nancy announced on her Facebook page that Griffin, 52, who co-hosted KiSS 105.3's morning program, has been named Rogers' Employee of the Year, out of more than 26,000 Rogers employees across Canada.

“Rich continues to make me proud, even (almost) eight months after he's gone,” Nancy said.

“Today, Rogers announced that Rich will be awarded Employee of the Year, out of more than 26,000 Rogers employees across Canada. There were winners in several categories (Rich won in Public Service) and the CEO then chose Rich as the overall winner. I am totally blown away!”

The nomination, prepared by Griffin's co-workers, cites his commitment to various local causes, including the Northern Cancer Foundation and Angels in Pink.

It also speaks of how even when his life was over, he became an organ donor.

“Even after his sudden passing Rich continued to give,” the nomination said.

“He was placed on life support and the Trillium Gift of Life Network successfully transplanted five of his vital organs, including his heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys, and removed tissues that will be used for future transplants and research. At Rich's funeral, Pastor Jeremy Mahood said, 'Someone, somewhere woke up today with a little piece of Rich. He gave people a chance to live.'”

Griffin's passing and his status as an organ donor helped raise awareness of the need for organ and tissue donation. Greater Sudbury is one of Ontario's hotspots for organ donation, with a higher-than-average percentage of registered donors.

Becoming an organ donor is easy. Simply register at BeADonor.ca.