Dr. A. O. Griffiths, D.V.M. (Urbana), 85, passed away at home on Friday May 28, 2010, at 11:44 P.M. Al, was known simply as "Doc", was born April 7, 1925, in Talgarth, South Wales, United Kingdom. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Pryce Griffiths and Elizabeth Williams Griffiths; and his brother, David (Di) Griffiths (Mary). He is survived by his sister, Joanna; sister-in-law, Mary; and nieces, Katherine Griffiths (David) Jessica Griffiths (Ian), and Marianne Griffiths (Richard); 3 great nephews and 2 great nieces, all of whom currently reside in Wales, UK. In 1943-1947, he served in the Royal Air Force as a wireless radio operator flying numerous combat missions during World War II. In 1949 he immigrated to the United States and attended Wright Junior College in Chicago, IL; then transferred to the University of Illinois where he completed his baccalaureate degree in Agriculture in 1952 and received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) in 1956. From 1956 - 1958 he was a clinical instructor at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine. He left the university in 1958 to pursue his private veterinary practice and established the Crossroads Veterinary Hospital and Clinic. During his years of veterinary practice he was a member of the following professional associations: American Veterinary Medical Association; Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association; Eastern Illinois Veterinary Medical Association; American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior; and the University of Illinois and College of Veterinary Medicine Alumni Associations. Dr. Griffiths was also a member of the National Federation of Independent Business, Illinois Leadership Council; Chamber of Commerce of the United States, Illinois Chamber of Commerce; Illinois Governor's Small Business Advisory (Commission) Council; the 1985 State House Conference on Small Business, Delegate; Illinois Agenda for 1986 White House Conference on Small Business; and Elected Illinois Delegate to the 1995 White House Conference on Small Business. He was also an avid supporter of the Airplane Owners and Pilots Association; United States Pilot Association; Illinois Pilots Association (President 1994 - 96 and 2003-05); Illinois Military Aviation Hall of Fame (Director); Founding Member of the American Air Museum in Great Britain. Dr. Griffiths was a leader and teacher, and throughout his career he published many articles and presented numerous papers world-wide on a diverse range of topics. He was recently a featured monthly guest speaker on WDWS, 1400 AM, with Garry O'Brien answering pet related questions. Although he was an accomplished businessman, he also loved animal, flying his airplane, music, dancing, and spending time with his companion Carol Christofero. He will be greatly missed by his friends and co-worker at Crossroads Veterinary Clinic. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be at Crossroads Veterinary Clinic on Saturday, June 5, 2010, from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. for his friends, family, and clients. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in his name to the Military Aviation Hall of Fame of Illinois, P.O. Box 145, Savoy, IL, 61874 or to an animal rescue of your choice.