Friends Remebered...
Hello folks,
It is my sad task to inform you that our good friend and fellow ham, Julian Sprague, KA1ZRA, of Cherryfield, became a Silent Key last night (November 6, 2002) at the Maine Coast Memorial Hospital in Ellsworth.
Julian was known as Mister Mobile around the Down East area as he operated solely out of his vehicle because of ham radio restrictions in his apartment complex. He was often seen sitting on the bench outside the Maine Grocer in Cherryfield, drinking cappachino with his ham buddies, reciting stories of his Korean War experience or tales of Down East Maine from the forties and fifties. Julian was also fond of making "coffee and chowduh" runs with his fellow hams at the Red Barn Restaurant in Milbridge. He helped provide emergency communications during the Ice Storm of 1998 and during other incidents requiring the Amateur Radio Service.
Julian was a founding member of the Narraguagus Bay Amateur Radio Club (NBARC). He enjoyed participating in Field Day and a few days ago he was informed that the 2002 joint NBARC and Ellsworth Amateur Wireless Association's Field Day resulted in the group being the top scorer in the State of Maine. His XYL, Barbara said he grinned from ear-to-ear.
73 de Phil N1EP
Many of you knew Ann Fiedler, N1ZDJ, who used to live in Corea, and then Bunkers Harbor. Ann was a member of our club for about 4 years. I first met her at the DownEast Amateur Radio (DEAR) club in Trenton 5 or 6 years ago. She was often accompanied by her friend, Yankey Bob, N1TDH, to these meetings.
Yankey Bob informed us that Ann passed away last month in California, where she had moved about a year ago to be with her elderly and ailing folks.
Ann had been fighting cancer for several years and before she left Maine, seemed to be winning the battle with her alternative treatment. But unfortunately, her health declined shortly after she moved to the west coast.
Everyone who knew Ann would agree she was one of the most pleasant and nice persons they ever met. She was always positive and enthusiastic, and when a friend needed support, she was there.
I remember how proud Ann was after she earned her Extra Class ham ticket just a few months before she moved to California.She will be sorely missed among the ham community Down East.
73, Phil N1EP
N1ZDJ, SK
It is with great sadness that I must report the passing of Ivan "Smitty" Smith, N1PNK, on February 3. As many know, Smitty has been in poor health for some time, but he maintained his usual great attitude to anyone who saw him, and also during the few times he had enough breath to check in on the air. He was listening, though, and he wanted us to know it.
N1PNK, SK
Smitty was one of a few handfull of people (to my knowledge) that you could consider a "regular" at the EAWA monthly breakfast. You could count on him and Pat being there, even during the times when attendance was poor, no matter where the breakfast was held. We were fortunate to have he and Pat at the December '01 breakfast, where he displayed that same smile that you always saw when you saw him. You could tell that he truly enjoyed being back at the breakfast, after being unable to attend for many months. And we certainly were happy to see him there, as it should be.
Smitty was licensed in 1993, and could be heard on 147.030, as well as the Cooper Mountain machine, 147.330. He was a postal carrier, and for many years used a CB while on the road, before he became licensed. And he would check in to the EAWA weekly on-the-air meeting nearly every week, on his way home. He also operated a packet station from his home. The obituary is in the Bangor Daily News today, 2/5/02, or can be viewed online here http://www.bangordailynews.com/advertising/class/obituaries/obituary.html?ID=25335
Rest easy, old friend, you've earned it. 73, N1PNK de N1VLQ