Stanley M. Miastkowski

Self-Employed Writer/Computer Journalist SAR volunteer

Stanley Michael Miastkowski, 58, of Peterborough, NH, passed away suddenly Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009.

Son of the late Stanley J. and Helen (Kulas) Miastkowski, Stan was born in Hadley, MA on July 26, 1951. He graduated from Hopkins Academy in Hadley and later attended the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His first job was working on the family farm, followed by work for Tripod Camera Shops and Caldor in Northampton, the beginning of a lifelong passion for technology of all kinds. For 14 years, he was a radio announcer, news reporter, and disc jockey at WHMP, the ABC Radio affiliate in Northampton, MA.

In 1976, he came to the Monadnock region to work as an editor for 73 Magazine, the ham radio magazine. In 1978 he became a technical writer for Tandy Corporation (Radio Shack) in Fort Worth, Texas and later worked for Digital Equipment Corporation in Maynard, MA. In 1980, Stan returned to Peterborough, NH to work for Byte Magazine at the dawn of the personal computer revolution. He helped launch and was the first managing editor for Popular Computing Magazine. He was a contributing editor and columnist for PC World Magazine and wrote technology columns for Esquire. He wrote or co-authored several books on computer technology. From 1990 to 1995 he was an editorial consultant, regular on-camera contributor, and occasional co-host of PCTV Live! and PCTV, the nationally-syndicated TV program for computer and technology users. He was also fill-in anchor for PC World\'s daily audio webcast. Most recently, Stan specialized in Web site development, IT support, and videography.

Stan was passionate in his love of the outdoors, and until recent years, a long daily walk with his beloved dogs was part of his daily routine. It was his desire to preserve the farm he grew up on in Hadley, MA, which he placed under agricultural protection in 2008, protecting it in perpetuity as farmland. He was a licensed private pilot and his other interests included amateur radio (WA1UMV), photography, music, computers, literature, and movies, among other activities. He was a generous contributor to a long list of charitable causes, especially those devoted to animals.

In recent years, Stans greatest passion was K-9 search and rescue, to which he devoted an immense about of time and expertise. He was a communications officer for New England K-9 Search Rescue and participated in numerous searches for missing people in Vermont and New Hampshire, as well as recovery efforts following the September 11 attacks in New York. He was also webmaster for the group.

Stan is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kathleen LaRiviere and his beloved pets Malcolm, Belle, and Okie. He is also survived by Kathes siblings and their spouses Mike LaRiviere and Kim Melnik, Retired Colonels Linda and Mike Rowbotham, and Margie and Bob Guarente. Also survived by 2 nephews and 4 nieces, Brad, Jenna, Julie, Thomas, Allie and Kristen. Stan will also be fondly remembered by aunts and uncles, cousins, friends, coworkers and his teammates at New England K-9 Search Rescue.

Memorial donations in Stans honor may be made to New England K-9 Search Rescue, 63 Shaker St., New London NH 03257-5953, Animal Rescue League of NH, 545 Route 101, Bedford, NH 03110, or Monadnock Humane Society, 101 W Swanzey Road, Swanzey, NH 03446.

A celebration of Stans life will be held at Trinity Evangelical Church in Peterborough at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2009. Following cremation, burial will be at the convenience of the family, with the assistance of the Cournoyer Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Jaffrey, NH.