Obituaries

Gary “Griff” Douglas Kempf, age 72, of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, died on April 24, 2025. He was born on June 28, 1952, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Herman and Arbutus (Biron) Kempf.

To know Uncle Gary was knowing greatness, strength, tough love, and stubbornness.

Though it was rare, if ever, to hear “I love you” you could feel the love and care he had for you through his gestures and humor. His greatest joys in life were cooking large meals, working on vehicles with his nephew, Mason, and watching movies, especially Robin Hood: Men in Tights with his niece Jade, and westerns. Most of all, he enjoyed BS-ing with his friends and family, especially Pat, Struckey, and his brothers, Joe and Robert. When the house was full, his heart was full. He enjoyed life to the fullest and would drop everything for those he loved. The love he had for those around him was beyond any words, making sure everyone was always taken care of.

His biggest goal was making sure his nieces, nephews, brothers, and other family members were prepared for life's challenges. Whether it was picking them up from school, filling their bellies, or staying at the house with them so they were never alone. If it were up to him, he’d live forever surrounded by his friends and family, with a two-liter of Diet Coke, a pack of Marlboro Red shorts, and an 80-inch TV in the living room.

His life made the ultimate impact on anyone who knew him, and life will never be the same without him. Though we all wish his life could have been longer, we are comforted knowing he will be greeted in the afterlife by his brother Herm who will no doubt be waiting with a cigarette and Miller High Life in hand.

The loss of Uncle Gary will leave a hole in all of our hearts, but we know he wouldn’t want anyone to be sad or put their life on pause. He would want a large, home-cooked meal to be enjoyed by his closest family and friends at the house where his heart and soul was and will remain.

A traditional fire has been lit and will be in the Waazhiim (behind Niigaanagiizhik).

Per Gary’s wishes, no additional services will be held.

A luncheon will be scheduled at a later date.