Arthur Griffiths (businessman)
| Arthur R. Griffiths | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1957 (age 59–60) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Known for | Vancouver Canucks owner |
Arthur R. Griffiths is a Canadian businessperson, philanthropist, and a former candidate for political office. He is former owner of the Vancouver Canucks, Vancouver Grizzlies, and General Motors Place. He chaired the Vancouver/Whistler 2010 Bid Society which helped to bring the 2010 Winter Olympics to the region. Griffiths ran unsuccessfully as the BC Liberal candidate for a 2008 provincial byelection in the Vancouver-Burrard riding. In June 2016, Griffiths was inducted to the British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame and is the recipient of the W.A.C Bennett Award, which is given "to an individual who has made a significant, unique and lasting contribution to sport in the Province of British Columbia." He and his father Frank are the only father and son that have been bestowed with this honour in the history of BC Sports Hall of Fame.
Griffiths is the son of Emily and Frank Griffiths. The Griffiths' family, including Arthur, were inducted into the British Columbia Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995 under the builder category. The induction noted "In addition to his duties as owner of the team, Arthur Griffiths was also actively involved at the league level as a member of the NHL's Marketing / Public Relations Committee."
It was Griffiths who led the initiative to build GM Place. The original arena of the Canucks, the Pacific Coliseum, was owned by the Pacific National Exhibition. The old coliseum became unsuitable for the growing team, and as result Griffiths financed the building of GM Place in 1995.
Griffiths sold the Vancouver Canucks in 1997. On running the Canucks, Griffiths' is quoted, "It was a wonderful life experience that many people would give their right arm for and I'm blessed that I had it."
Griffiths was also responsible for the formation of the National Basketball Association (NBA) Vancouver Grizzlies. The Grizzlies were sold and eventually moved to Memphis, Tennessee.
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