Donald Arthur Griswold
Donald Arthur Griswold, a resident of Terra Bella, passed away Saturday, May 23, 2009, at the age of 65, after a year long battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 at 11:00 AM at the Porterville Church of the Nazarene on the corner of West Olive & Matthew.
Born in Porterville on June 24, 1943 to Chester "Chet" and Helen (Jones) Griswold, Don was from a fifth generation Porterville/Springville area family. During his high school summers, Don helped his Grandfather Art Griswold push cattle into the high country for summer grazing. Don's love and appreciation for the local high country grew during his employment with the US Forest Service. A graduate of Porterville High School in 1961, Don received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business Management from California Polytechnic at San Luis Obispo in 1965. While at Cal Poly, Don served two years with the Naval Reserve before receiving his commission from Officers Candidate School at Newport, R.I. in December 1965. He proudly served his country as communications officer aboard the USS Coontz. After receiving his discharge in December 1968, he went to work for San Diego Livestock Supply Inc, an outlet for Wall's Livestock Supply whose headquarters were in Porterville. It was then that he met and married Virginia "Ginny" Higgins from La Mesa. He worked in the livestock supply business for several years before changing his focus to agricultural and pest control management sales.
Don and Ginny continued his Grandfather Donald L. Jones' tradition of breeding and showing Arabian horses. After moving back to the Porterville area in the mid-70's to be closer to his family, Don followed in his father's footsteps as swine leader for Burton 4-H where he saw his daughter and son both earn top honors of Grand Champion Hog at both Porterville and Tulare County 4H fairs, just as he had done two consecutive years under his own father's leadership. Don keyed the phrase "Bid for the Kid" during his extensive stint on the Porterville Fair Sales Committee as well as helped start the Burton Booster and Orange Belt Booster clubs helping to raise money for local 4H & FFA members.
In 1987, Don joined the Rancheros Adolfo where he not only enjoyed numerous horseback riding adventures but also gained several life-long friendships as a result of his tremendous zest for life and love for friendly conversation. Don enjoyed reading books, but even more so enjoyed sharing those books with friends and family for many lively discussions.
In 1991, Don was elected the 30th Jackass Mail Run Wagonmaster. This honor was important because his father was the very first Wagonmaster in 1962. Don was later followed by his daughter Jody being elected in 1997 being the first family to have a third generation of Wagonmasters.
Don's love for the back country peaked in recent decades when he was able to take many pack trips each summer with family and friends. He was blessed with good livestock and a loyal dog that followed him anywhere.
He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Ginny, daughter Jody (son-in-law Richard Bratcher), son Clifford, mother Helen, brother Bob (sister-in-law Theresa) and sister Jane. He was predeceased by his father, Chet Griswold.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Camp Nelson Volunteer Ambulance, the Tule River Historical Society or to your favorite charity in Don's memory. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.myersfuneral.com. Myers Funeral Service and Crematory in Porterville is in charge of arrangements.
