Krista Gridley

Monday, June 27, 2016, Krista Anne Gridley, age 59, of Athens, Georgia died.
Two years ago, she had been diagnosed with cancer. She responded by telling cancer to take a hike, she was going birding. She travelled to Africa, Antarctica, and South America. She went to the Arctic, India and Bhutan before cancer got the best of her. Many first met her during her Georgia Big Year in 2010. Her Big Year was never about the numbers (323 species), it was about being outside watching birds be birds. All birds. On a pelagic trip when few birds were found, she said (and truly believed) that "a day on the water is a good day." You would be hard pressed to find someone as decent, as nice and as fun to be around. Loved by her community, she is survived by Sally Speed of Athens, Georgia; Kimberly and Ted Farmer, sister and brother-in-law of Johns Creek, Georgia; and Greg Dudley, brother-in-law of Brandon, Florida.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Duck Stamp, Georgia Department of Natural Resources or Georgia State Parks.
Funeral services will be private.
Lord and Stephens, East is in charge of arrangements.
www.lordandstephens.com