Silent Keys
A silent key is a deceased amateur radio operator. Generally, silent keys are identified with their call signs and their names. The ”key” is a reference to the telegraph keys historically used to transmit information, and although the telegraph key is now largely obsolete, its status is so iconic that most people in the amateur radio community understand the reference.
Amateur radio operators have been around essentially as long as radio itself. They generally communicate on special frequencies which have been designated for use by the amateur community, and they may use the radio in a variety of ways. All hold official licenses and designated call signs.
When an amateur radio operator dies, it may take some time for the rest of the community to become aware that he or she is now a silent key. In some cases, friends or family members of the deceased may communicate this information, and in the era of the Internet, this has been made much easier. In other instances, a prolonged period of radio silence may prompt someone to look into obituaries or news reports which could reveal the radio operator's fate.
Amateur radio operators have been around essentially as long as radio itself. They generally communicate on special frequencies which have been designated for use by the amateur community, and they may use the radio in a variety of ways. All hold official licenses and designated call signs.
When an amateur radio operator dies, it may take some time for the rest of the community to become aware that he or she is now a silent key. In some cases, friends or family members of the deceased may communicate this information, and in the era of the Internet, this has been made much easier. In other instances, a prolonged period of radio silence may prompt someone to look into obituaries or news reports which could reveal the radio operator's fate.
IN MEMORIAM
Wayne Alfred Gillcash, VE1RR
1942-2019 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Wayne Alfred Gillcash, VE1RR, 76, of Sackville, at the Foyer St. Thomas Nursing Home in Memramcook on Monday, January 21, 2019. Born in Moncton, Wayne was the son of the late Wallace and Verna (Prosser) Gillcash. A retired teacher, Wayne enjoyed ham radio, family history, and old autos. He enjoyed doing safety work for over 40 years for Amour Transport. He is survived by wife Edith, Sackville, sister Brenda Moffett (Late Don), Sussex, NB, brother Brian (Irene), Minto, NB and nieces Ann, Becky, Corena, Cathy, and Heather. Arrangements are under the care and guidance of Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge Street, Sackville, NB (506-364-1300), where Wayne's funeral service will take place on Friday, January 25, 2019 at 2 PM, Life Celebrant officiating. Interment will take place in the Taylor Village Cemetery in the spring. A sincere thank you for the kindness and care shown by the staff of Foyer St. Thomas, Memramcook. Donations in memory of Wayne may be made to Friends of the Moncton Hospital, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, or a charity of your choice. Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Wayne's online memorial at www.jonesfuneralhome.ca or through the Jones Funeral Home Facebook Page. 
Percy B. Waddy, VE9PBW
MAARC, Inc. members will be very saddened to learn of Percy's passing. We first met Percy over 25 years ago when he enrolled in one of the Amateur Radio courses we were conducting. He related that one of his sons had taken over the farm and his wife, Jean, advised him that he should now engage in a hobby that would be interesting and challenging. After completing the course and obtaining his Certificate he was very enthusiastic about his new found pursuit and we exchanged visits at our respective homes. His enthusiasm made helping him erect an antenna system and coaching him in on-air operating a great pleasure. Percy served with distinction during WW2, attaining the rank of Squadron Leader and Flight Commander of RAF Squadron 203, flying B24 Liberator Bombers in the Indian Ocean theatre. A few years ago based on tactical photos taken during an action over the Adaman Sea that he had flown on, Percy commissioned the well known artist, Lars Larsen, to paint a composite of the bombing of Japanese supply ships by his squadron. Percy kindly gave us a signed print copy of the painting which we much treasure. After the war Percy flew with TCA (Air Canada) until Jean's father convinced him that he should give up "this silly flying business" and that he and Jean should take over the family farm. Percy and Jean in following that advice made a great success of it along with raising a family. As a member of MAARC, Inc., Percy was very supportive of all the Club's endeavors. At the turn of the century he proposed that the Club should honor its senior members who had made major contributions to Amateur Radio during the 20th Century. At a special dinner, plaques were presented to twelve long time members of the Club and Percy was delighted that his suggestion found favour and had been adopted. When Club member Alan MacLeod, VE2FUX, flew into Moncton with the Air Canada L10A vintage aircraft, he was very pleased to have Percy come on board for a local flight. Inviting Percy to the flight deck, he handed the controls to Percy. Percy talked about that experience for a long time after. Undoubtedly, it brought back many memories of his flying days with TCA (Air Canada). Percy's time with us was all too brief. In the very few years that went by too quickly, he made many friends and contributed much to the Club. The Club was very fortunate to have had Percy as a member. All of us who knew him enjoyed his companionship and enthusiasm as a fellow Radio Amateur. Funeral Service was held at the Salisbury Funeral Home, 2pm, Saturday, March 28/2015. Note: The text above was supplied by Bill Gillis, the Editor of QTC, and a personal friend of Percy.
Armand Vienneau - VE9UP
Although not very active on the air in recent years, many will remember Moncton native, Armand Vienneau, VE9UP. Armand had a long career with Transport Canada, spending many of his early years in telecommunications on the Magdalen Islands. He retired from a management position at the Moncton Regional office in 1988 where he maintained a close and congenial relationship with telecom suppliers providing service to Transport Canada. Although not active in recent years, Armand had an intense interest in Amateur Radio going back to 1948. He became a Silent Key on September 21/2015 and will be sadly missed by his many friends. 
James Dean, VE3IQ
May 20, 1937 - January 3, 2015 Dean, James Guthrie Capt (N) Retd, CD, RCN, VE3IQ Peacefully at home, at the age of 77, on January 3, 2015, Jim died in the arms of his loving wife of 54 years, Sandra. He will be sorely missed by his sons James (Karen) and Peter (Jodie) and his grandchildren James, Bethany, Emily and Allison. An engineer, Jim enjoyed a full naval career, then was a consultant with CFN. He was an active amateur radio enthusiast, holding positions at local, national and international levels. His many interests leave a wide circle of friends who, along with his family, will sadly miss this kind and honorable man. A heartfelt thank you to all who have stood by us through his illness. A memorial service and reception will be held at Bell's Corners United Church, 3955 Old Richmond Road, on Saturday, January 17 at 2 pm. Editor: Jim was very active in RAC and devoted much time to the regulatory aspects of Amateur Radio. He gained much respect for his work and gained many friends in the Amateur Radio community. Enjoyed very much working together with him in RAC. |
Travis McCluskey, VE9TM
1930 -2019 Travis McCluskey, of Riverview passed away at his residence on Friday, March 1, 2019. Travis was the son of the late George and Rose McCluskey from Grand Falls, NB. Travis is survived by his four children, Danny, Lance, Linda, and David; his companion, Carol Morin; brothers, Glen, of Moncton, late Hilary; sisters, Eileen, late Maxine, Charlene, and Mary Lynn. Travis was employed with CNCP for 35 years as a Telegraph Operator (Morse Code). After his retirement Travis loved to go fishing, he enjoyed bowling, playing pool with the boys at the Airforce Club and was especially noted for his safe play, hooking his opponents. For the past decade he enjoyed having coffee at McDonalds with his buddies, Travis will be missed by his partner, his family and by his many friends. A family gathering will be planned for a later date. 
Bob Kirkpatrick, VE9VAR
1930-2018 Robert (Bob) Kirkpatrick, 88, passed away peacefully amongst his family at the Moncton City Hospital on Thursday, April 26th, 2018. Bob was born in Saint John New Brunswick to parents Earle and Gertrude (Randall) Kirkpatrick. He is predeceased by his parents, brothers Richard Kirkpatrick and Cecil Kirkpatrick, sister Gloria Seeley and grandson Christopher Cooling. Bob worked on his family farm and then attended radio school where he graduated and was employed with Transport Canada for 35 years in Air Traffic as a Radio Operator and an Area Operations Manager. Bob was an active volunteer through coaching (20 years), amateur radio (60+years) and Lions (50+ years). He enjoyed travelling, reading, dancing, bowling, lawn bowling, golfing, playing cards, public speaking and most importantly having fun. He served on national boards for Lawn Bowls Canada, Lions Foundation of Canada (Dog Guides), Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and as a Board Member, President, Provincial Director and National Director for the National Association of Federal Retirees. Bob was also elected for two terms as a District Governor under the umbrella of Lions Clubs International. He holds Life Memberships with PSAC, Lawn Bowls N.B., Lions International, Federal Retirees and Amateur Radio. Bob was a well liked person who helped many people and groups over the years. He was dedicated to his causes and advocated for the very best. Bob is survived by his wife of 66 years Mollie (Haire); his children Paulette (Scott), Paul, Bobby, Jerry (Beth), and Joanne (Sue); his grandchildren Robyn, Leanne, Brett, Justin, Dawn and Jennifer; his great grandchildren Dustin, Damon, Christopher, Billy, Courtney, Cassidy, Mia, Zander, Joey and James; and many nieces and nephews. Visitations will be held at the Tuttle Brothers Riverview Funeral Home, 214 Pine Glen Rd. Riverview on Monday, April 30th, 7 to 9pm. A memorial service will be held to honour Bob at the Tuttle Brothers Riverview Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, May 1st, 2018 at 1pm, immediately followed by a reception at the Riverview Lions Club, 701 Coverdale Road. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Lions Foundation of Canada (Dog Guides), the Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of donor's choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Tuttle Brothers & Riverview Funeral Home 214 Pine Glen Rd. Riverview, NB (506) 857–9544. Online condolences can be made at www.tuttlefuneralhome.ca 
Stephen Duffy - VE9DUF
1961-2015 Stephen Duffy, 54, of Bouctouche, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family, at the Moncton Hospital on Wednesday December 30, 2015. He was married to Diane (Mills) Duffy. Born in Ottawa, he was the son of Graham Duffy (Donna) of Hillsborough and Ruby (Betts) Duffy of Toronto. Stephen was an avid CB amateur operator. Stephen is a great loss to his wife Diane, of 25 yrs., his parents, and his children; Stephanie Duffy (Ghislain Robichaud) of Saint-Norbert and John of Bouctouche. He also leaves to mourn his sister Shelley Henderson (Dana) and his two brothers, Scott (Colleen) and Stacey all of Toronto, several nephews and nieces, uncles, aunts and cousins. Visitations will be held at Maillet Funeral Home, 29 rue de l’église, Bouctouche on Friday January 1, 2016 from 7 to 9 and on Saturday from 9 to 10:45 am. Funeral Mass will take place at the Saint-Jean Baptiste Church in Bouctouche on Saturday January 2, 2016 at 11:00 am with interment in the parish cemetery. In Stephen’s memory donations may be made to the Friends of the Moncton Hospital NICU Unit or to the family. Funeral arrangements are in the professionals care of Maillet Funeral Home, Bouctouche. | ||||||
