Michael Giffen: the heartbeat of the band
The community is mourning the loss of Michael Giffen who was killed in a tragic accident at the family business last Friday.
Emergency crews were called to Station Street in Glen Huron at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 21. All stations responded to reports that a building had collapsed at Giffen’s County Market.
The accident claimed the life of Giffen, a well-known educator, musician, entrepreneur and community member.
Fire Chief Scott Davison said the roof collapsed in the building’s warehouse and firefighters had to cut open the doors on the loading dock at the back half of the structure that hadn’t collapsed, to gain access.
Police say Giffen was located deceased inside the building.
“Foremost, I am deeply sorry for the family, friends and the community as a whole for the heartbreaking loss sustained during this tragic event,” said Davison. “I want to sincerely thank the dozens of residents, friends, family and co-workers who rushed to the scene to help emergency crews anyway they could in hopes of a positive outcome. I want you to know, you did everything you could. Witnessing everybody come together like that in someone’s time of need is something we should all be proud of as a community.”
“Every possible resource was in place for the rescue operations,” he said. “I want to thank Barrie Fire for providing extra equipment designed for structural collapses and their crews. Simcoe EMS and Ornge for all your resources provided, and the Ontario Provincial Police. To our firefighters from Clearview Fire and Emergency Services, witnessing your skill, efforts and teamwork was truly amazing.”
Giffen, 55, a former superintendent with the Simcoe County District School Board, had retired early to get more involved with the family’s apple business and store after his father died in a farm accident in 2021.
As a lifelong Glen Huron resident, Giffen made his home on the family farm with his wife and three sons.
Giffen told The Echo back in 2018, at the time of his promotion to superintendent, that he was focussed on creating an environment where students and staff could succeed. He said he found it rewarding to be able to affect change that would impact student success.
His last post as principal was at Birchview Dunes Elementary School in Wasaga Beach. Prior to that he was principal at Cameron Street Public School, Holly Meadows in Barrie and principal of special education at the board office. He has also been vice principal at Angus Morrison, Mountain View and Worsley.
In addition to playing with the OPP’s Commissioner’s Own Pipes and Drums, Giffen was a long-time member of the Beinn Gorm Highlanders, recognizable as a bass drummer in regular appearances at parades and events.
Pipe Major Sheila Stewart described Giffen as the heartbeat of the band for close to 20 years.
“He was a genuine straight shooter who treated everyone with kindness, respect, and courtesy. He was equally at ease with the adults in our band and the young drummers who he mentored,” said Stewart. “I thought it was a testament to his role as a well- loved educator when, at parades he would be approached with happiness and excitement by kids that he had formerly taught.”
In his role as past president of the band, Stewart said Giffen was a thoughtful advisor.
“I knew I could rely on him to listen, and help navigate through difficult situations, which he usually did with gentle humour,” said Stewart. “Michael was wonderfully musical with a superb sense of rhythm. Watching him dance with his drum while immersed in the music always brought a smile to my face, and he helped keep many ‘marching challenged’ pipers in step for miles of parades.”
She said the Beinn Gorm Highlanders plan to honour Giffen’s memory by adding a memorial plaque to his bass drum to remind future drummers of his legacy, and by establishing a scholarship fund in his name.
At this week’s council meeting, Mayor Doug Measures expressed condolences to the Giffen family saying,
“This tragedy that happened in our community is going to be a very difficult loss given that he’s such a young man, who had such a wonderful smile and was always engaged in things that go on here in Clearview Township. He was very proud to be a part of the Clearview Township business community and just an overall great guy.”
Davison said anyone who needs help processing this event, or finds themselves struggling, is welcome to reach out to him or to the peer support team at peersupport@clearview.ca.
A service of remembrance will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, at the Georgian Bay Hotel Collingwood.
Trina Berlo photo: Authorities have not yet said what caused the building to collapse at Giffen’s Country Market in Glen Huron on Feb. 21.
