AMBLER, John “Jack” 1925-2010
Jack passed away peacefully at the Foothills Hospital on February 18, 2010 at the age of 84 years.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Monica Barron: children Darcy and Steve; grandchildren: Arianna and Alessandro; Monica’s daughters Brenda and Karen; Karen’s son Levi, and many friends and relatives. We all love you and will miss you. VE6CAQ has gone silent.
-Submitted by VE6TEP
NEILSON, Walter Edwin Born September 11, 1915, passed away January 6, 2009. Survived by his loving wife, Eileen; son, David; and grandsons Scott and Troy. Born in Burnaby, later moving with his family to Calgary, his schooling complete, his first job was with Smith Corona Business Machines, having out done the dozens of applicants by showing up on his bicycle prepared to deliver machines in the -0 degree weather. Introduced to the miracles of amateur radio by his uncle Frank, a logical choice to further that interest was the landlocked R.C.N.V.R. He joined in 1937 and spent most of any holidays on the parade square. He was sent to the West Coast at the outbreak of WW2, drafted to the R.C.N. proper and the Good Ship “HMCS Miramichi. ” P.O. Tel. Neilson was tasked with setting up wireless stations at various choice locations such as Bella Coola, Ucluelet, Prince Rupert, and his all time favourite, a little rock in Upper Johnstone Strait, “Yorke Island. ” Married to his beloved Eileen in 1942, then shipped off to signal schools in Halifax and St. Hyacinthe. At wars end he returned to Victoria to work for the business machines division of Dockyard and later to the Provincial Government Repair Division in 1947, retiring as foreman in 1976. During
this time he built the family home on Admirals Road, raised son David, and spent his Golden Years travelling the world, visiting the property at Sulpherous Lake, gardening and maintaining an active interest in amateur radio. Many thanks to the doctors and nurses at Saanich Peninsula Hospital for their patience and caring understanding during Dad’s declining weeks. No service by request, but hoist a tot, and remember him in each your own way . . . VE7FDV Silent Key, 73s and 88s to all . . . the old sailor has crossed the bar. 520395
Published in the Victoria Times-Colonist from 1/8/2009 – 1/9/2009
WHITTAKER Garfield (Gary) November 2, 1932 – December 12 , 2008 Passed away peacefully at Delta Hospital, after a long illness. Lovingly survived by his wife of 46 years, Elaine. Daughter, Diane (Shawn), sons Donald (Jaime) and Gerry. Granddaughters, Tannis, Shannon, Alannah and Taylor. Sisters, Gail (Alan), Ruth (Don), many nieces and nephews, and many friends. Gary worked for many years for BC Coast Steamship Services, as a radio operator on one of the first “love” boats on the Pacific Coast, travelling from Vancouver to Alaska. He loved to travel, especially to Mexico, and was a longtime amateur radio operator. He enjoyed all types of music and shared it with family and friends. A special thank-you to the doctors, nurses and staff at Delta Hospital, for their compassion and professionalism. Funeral Mass will be at Sacred Heart Church, 3900 Arthur Drive, Ladner, BC on Thursday, December 18, at 11:00 am. Reception following. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Gary’s memory to the Delta Hospital Foundation, Spiritual Care, c/o Gary Whittaker, 5800 – Mountain View Blvd, Delta, BC, V4K 9Z9. Online condolences at www.deltafuneral.ca. Delta Funeral Home 604.946.6040
Published in the Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on 12/14/2008
