Thomas ‘Scouse’ Griffiths lived for his music and his models. The sudden death of the hugely-popular 77-year-old on June 24 has had a huge impact on his family and wide circle of friends.
Thomas, known to just about everyone in Teesdale – including wife Val – as Scouse, was born in Liverpool and spent his early years in Everton before his family moved to the Merseyside new town Kirkby when he was aged seven.
On leaving school, he joined the army and served at home and abroad with the Royal Artillery including postings in West Germany and Hong Kong.
But it was a posting to Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire that changed the course of his life.
“I met Scouse when he was based in Catterick,” recalled Val. “When we got engaged he was based in West Germany and he said at that point that he was leaving because he didn’t want me to be an army wife.
“I got a letter from him saying he was leaving the army and coming home. I thought he meant Liverpool but he turned up at my mam and dad’s house with a guitar and his suitcase!”
The couple were married in 1975 and would have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in September.
Scouse, who was one of the founding members of the Clique charity, which celebrates its 50th birthday this year, joined William Smith Group as a signwriter after moving to Teesdale. He stayed with the Barnard Castle firm until he retired in 2012.
“He absolutely loved it here, he used to say how lucky we are to live in this area,” said Val. “He used to love taking the dogs for walks over the moors.”
When Scouse wasn’t busy playing his guitar in a variety of groups, including The Revamps, or mentoring young musicians and bands, he would spend hours working on his replica models.
“He lived for his music and his models,” Val said. “His models – he was a perfectionist!
“And music was his life – he loved it,” she continued. “He used to treasure his guitars. He learned to play the guitar by himself and he was always practising.
“He played guitar during his time in the army and over the years he’s been in so many bands I’ve lost count.”
Kevin Robinson, who was a member of the Revamps with Scouse, paid tribute to his fellow musician.
Speaking on behalf of himself and his wife Shona, he said: “Scouse was a great friend and bandmate. Having played together in bands since 2007, we have had so many laughs, so many memories and more than a few drinks.
“Thank you Scouse for your friendship, you will be greatly missed by us both.”
