SILENT KEY

Judith Holland ZL1AWM

6th August 1999

WARO regrets to report the passing of Judith Holland 2L1AWM after a long battle with cancer. Judith was a foundation member of NZ WARO, a member of the initial seven YLs who met in Rotorua on March 10th 1962 to initiate the club as it is today. She was first licensed in March 1958 and therefore WARO's longest-licensed member.

Judith and her OM Alan, ZL1AWL have had an active amateur life with some periods off air, but always retaining their interest. As a Post Office engineer Alan has had several moves over the years and Judith changed call-sign from ZL1AWM to ZL2BHV and then ZL3AGE before "reclaiming" her original call when they retired to Kumeu, North of Auckland.

While raising three sons and two daughters, Judith was active on YL nets, served as President of WARO 1965-66 as well as helping a number of YLs to pass their licence. She enjoyed participating in the local amateur branches in Manukau, Christchurch, Wellington VHF and Auckland VHF where she was currently treasurer. She enjoyed a good debate and her contributions were always worthwhile, often challenging. Judith and Alan attended many NZART Conferences and Judith took a keen interest in national affairs.

Judith graduated from Victoria University with a Science degree and used her knowledge as a teacher, at one time becoming Chief Examiner for the School Certificate physics examination. She finished her teaching career at the Correspondence School in Wellington, re-writing the 7th Form Physics course and retiring as systems manager for their new Computer System.

A period spent in Britain when the family was still young began an interest in travel, especially in Europe, that she and Alan were able to follow up in later years, most recently just a year ago. She sponsored YLs in England and in Australia and was able to meet them while overseas. She also belonged to a Methodist church world-wide group WAMRAC and visited their leader in Britain.

Judith had a great love for her family, all of whom have been able to be with her this month ( two families live overseas), and a strong Christian faith. When she took on a task, whether teaching or a hobby she did it well. We will miss her contribution and interest in WARO which she retained over the 37 years WARO has been going. She was awarded her 30year Continuous Membership Certificate in 1992, and recently she participated in WARO Contests and VHF nets whenever her busy life allowed.

Our sympathy goes to Alan, her children and grandchildren

. Article supplied by Celia ZL1ALK