Jan A. Griska

1944 - 2017

RINDGE – Jan A. Griska, 72, of Rindge died Thursday, February 2, 2017 in his own home. His wife and daughters, with Hospice assistance, cared for him during his short illness. He was born in Waterbury, Connecticut on March 25, 1944. He was the son of Anthony A. Griska and Ida Edith (Zech) Griska.

He was a self-made man. His father died suddenly when Jan was 15 and Jan apprenticed in a factory as a machinist to help support his mother and younger brothers. In 1963 he joined the Navy and trained as an Electronic Technician. He served five years including a deployment to Vietnam. He saw many countries in Europe during those years as well. His career began with Digital Equipment Corporation where he worked for 20 years, leaving as a Special Product Support Manager. He also worked for Motorola, Fidelity Investments, and retired in 2008 after ten years with Brown Brother Harriman Bank in Boston. His education included Rochester Institute of Technology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, along with many others. He was certified as a Software Engineer, Software Quality Engineer, and certified Quality Auditor. He could repair anything including a car, a machine, plumbing, electricity and any woodworking project. He was an avid reader and was rarely seen without a book.

He had a keen interest in the environment and could identify most of the flora, fauna and creatures of the woods. He was a member of the Rindge Conservation Commission. He was active in fighting the Northeast Energy Direct pipeline and defeating the planned Bobcat hunting, proposed by NH Fish and Game. He enjoyed the outdoors and liked to fish, although his other pursuits limited his time in doing that.

Between work and pleasure, he was proud to say that he had visited all 50 USA states, actually lived in five. Having lived in Amherst, New Hampshire for many years, he retired to Rindge. He was an experienced off-road enthusiast and master "Tread Lightly" Trainer. He participated in over 25 events with "Jeep Jamboree USA" taking him and his wife all over the country. So many beautiful and natural sites were provided through these events.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marilyn (Schmitt) Griska, daughter Michelle and partner, Cindy Bathurst, of Monroe, Georgia; daughter, Dawn Griska and husband, Lyle Hinckley, of Milford, New Hampshire; a brother Dr. Joel Griska and wife, Dr. Linda Griska, of Penn Valley, Pennsylvania and brother, Jason Griska and wife, Karen Griska, of Litchfield, Connecticut. He also leaves many cousins, nieces and nephews.

At his request, there are no calling hours. A memorial service will be held in the summer at the Cathedral of the Pines Mother's Garden in Rindge.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to either the Jaffrey-Rindge Rotary for "Camp Quest," or the "Got Lunch" program of the Rindge Congregational Church. Burial will be private.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Cournoyer Funeral Home, 33 River Street, Jaffrey, NH 03452. To view his permanent online memorial page please visit www.cournoyerfh.com