Sun Coast Amateur
Radio Club Society - history

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Some Club History

Founding Members

By the year 1985 the Sunshine Amateur Radio Club was in operation. Regular meetings were held in members homes. The following is a list of the early members of that era:

Ted Alexamder	VE7AC	Madeira Park
Tom Barker	VE7FGB	Garden Bay
Capt. John Bunyon (sk)		Sechelt
Dr. Reve Farish (sk)	VE7FJK	Secret Cove
Henry Christensen (sk)		Sechelt
Bob Leduc (sk)	VE7ALT	Halfmoon Bay
Ted Muncaster (sk)		Egmont
Frank Nanson (sk)	VE7IQ	Gibsons
Gordon Oliver (sk)	VE7GWO	Sechelt
Steve Phelps	VE7CAH	Halfmoon Bay
James Sinclair (sk)		Madeira Park
Bill Wood (sk)	VE7ENW	Halfmoon Bay

submitted by VE7ALT

Silent Keys

It is with deep regrets that we record the passing of these former SCARCS amateurs:

Walter Ward	VE6WGW	December 12, 2024
Abe Peters	VE7BGM	May 24, 2023
Bob Leduc	VE7ALT	September 17, 2021
Don Prendergast	VE7DNK	July 15, 2021
Bud Theriault	VA7BT	July 14, 2021
Steve Dow	VE7ASO	June 3, 2020
Ron Kaiser	VA7GRK	April 20, 2020
Dorian Gregory	VE7MGD	February 13, 2020
Oskar Friesen	VE7QOF	August 4, 2019
Arthur (Jim) Wilkinson	VE7CGP	May 19, 2019
Barabara Lightfoot	VA7CFX	December 13, 2018
Joan Wall	VE7JYW	June 23, 2018
Harry Almond	VE7HAR	August 30, 2017
William Rimmer	VE7WLL	April 3, 2014
Hans Oberg	VA7ORB	July 13, 2013
Clive Hall	VE7HCC	February 20, 2012
Eileen Bonaguro	VA7EIL	May 17, 2011
Thomas Braiden	VE7CYA	March 13, 2011
Francis Konopasek	VE7JS	October 28, 2010
Walter John McPhee	VE7QJM	October 19, 2010
Jim Hobson	VE7NV	September 23, 2010

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Joseph (Bud) Benjamin Theriault - VA7BT

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of club member Bud Theriault.

From Legacy.com:

November 16, 1929 - July 14, 2021

On July 14, 2021 Joseph (Bud) Theriault passed away peacefully with his family at his side. He will be remembered lovingly by Janet, his wife of 54 years, his daughter, Michelle (Faruq Suleman) and grandchildren Hayden, Laila and Sophie. As well as several nephews and nieces. Born November 16, 1929 in Digby Nova Scotia, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Margaret (Comeau) Theriault. He was predeceased by brother, Frank Boutilier and sister, Marie Dunbar. Also, his little dog, Neki.

Bud started an 18 year career of public service with the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in November, 1947 and proudly served until he was discharged on March 31, 1966. His time in the Air Force was spent in numerous postings including: the Northwest Territories, the Arctic, Edmonton and Grostenquin, France. Upon returning to Canada his last posting was with the RCAF Greenwood in Nova Scotia.

Soon after, Bud would embark on his second career as a Safety and Loss Control specialist. He worked with Standard Paving in Halifax Nova Scotia until 1969. He later held the position of Regional Safety Consultant for the province of Nova Scotia and was promoted to the position of Senior Safety Consultant for the Department of Labour where he was transferred to the national headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario. In 1971, he moved his family back to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia where he accepted the position of Director, Accident and Fire Prevention for the Cape Breton Development Corporation.

The family headed to Fort McMurray 1974 with Bud accepting a leadership position in safety and loss control with Syncrude Canada Ltd (SCL). Over the next decade the family would return to the east but would eventually return to Fort McMurray for a few years as Bud would manage safety programs for SCL's expansion projects.

In 1990, Bud and Janet made their final move to the beautiful Gibsons, British Columbia where he managed safety, loss control and camp operations for Howe Sound Pulp and Paper. Upon Bud's retirement they chose to “stay” retired in this little piece of heaven. Bud had so many hobbies and passions outside of work besides Janet and Michelle. His lifelong love was hands down Amateur radio (VA7BT). Many hours were spent in his 'ham shack' chatting with other operators across the world! You knew where Bud lived because there would always be 20' plus antenna outside his backyard and he would always be tinkering with it much to Janet's dismay (but continual support)! Photography was another great interest of Bud's and before the convenience of digital photography came along, he even had a darkroom in the basement where he would develop a lot of his own pictures. You could always count on a great slideshow from any trip that we may have taken! Bud always had computers and when not on his radios would be tinkering away on them. He was for the most part self-taught. Through the years he helped so many people with their computer problems and loved sharing any tips and tricks. In 1991, Bud realized his lifelong dream of obtaining his pilot's license and bought himself a few planes. He studied hard to make this a reality and he was so proud of his accomplishments.He was most proud of being able to take trips locally with Janet and even flew to Fort McMurray for a weekend visit with Michelle and Faruq.

Through it all Bud always gave back to the local community, he was active for over 50 years in the Masonic Lodge, the Shriners, the Royal Canadian Legion, a member of the United Church of Canada and was very proud to work with Janet in the Order of Eastern Star. He and Janet actively supported family, friends, neighbours, and anyone in need with a warm smile, a hearty meal, and anything else it took to make them smile and know somebody was in their corner!

As you read this, mom and I hope it brings a smile to your face because Bud lived life to its fullest, even after he received his Dementia/Alzheimer's diagnosis seven years ago. He always looked after anyone who came into his life and loved us all unconditionally. So go out and celebrate the life you have because that is the way Bud would have wanted it! We would like to sincerely thank the following individuals for their never ending support during these last years. Dr. Darren Spithoff and Ruth at the Gibsons Medical Clinic, the doctors, nurses & staff, 3rd floor, Sechelt Hospital, Shelley Chow and her staff at Help On The Way. A very special thank you to Debbie Peters for her years of care and compassion to both Bud and Janet. Lastly, to our neighbours, their never ending support was appreciated more than they will ever know.

A celebration of life for Bud will be planned in the coming months. Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Sechelt Hospital, British Columbia.

“Into the arms of angels may you fly on a gentle breeze, with our love beside you and our arms around you.”

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Barbara Lightfoot VA7CFX

From Devlin Funeral Home:

It is with great sadness that the death is announced of Barbara Lightfoot in St Mary’s Hospital, Sechelt following a heart attack suffered at home.

Barbara was born in Swanage, Dorset, the eldest of six children born to John & Ina Green. She trained as a nurse and subsequently practiced as an OR sister.

Barbara and her family emigrated to Canada in 1968, settling in Calgary. Following the end of her first marriage she worked in Saudi Arabia as nurse supervisor. With her second husband she retired to Sechelt in 1999.

Barbara is survived by four of her siblings, her three children and second husband. She will be sorely missed.

A short cremation service will be held at Devlin Funeral Home, Gibsons on Friday, 21 December at 3:00 pm

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Eileen Bonaguro VA7EIL

From Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue:

Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue Top Pick Award

Publication: Coast Reporter

Published: December 2011

Each year Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue (SC SAR) presents the Top Pick Award to a member who has given a lot to the group over the previous year. This year the award was given posthumously to Eileen Bonaguro for her tireless dedication towards training, especially first aid. Each SC SAR member must be trained in first aid and Eileen not only taught the first aid courses to our members on a yearly basis but was also there to coach us on first aid on virtually every practice we had as well. She was a wonderful leader, friend, instructor, and mentor.

She will be greatly missed.

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Ron Kaiser - VA7GRK

Ron was a longtime member of the club and our net controller. Ron served as club Treasurer for many years. He was kind hearted and had a warm presence. He is greatly missed by the club.

Obituary

Sadly we announce the passing of Ron Kaiser.

Ron and Pat retired to the Sunshine Coast in 2004 and recently returned to Ottawa to be closer to their children.

Ron passed away peacefully at the age of 81, at home surrounded by family.

Kindness was his hallmark and it will be greatly missed.

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Walter Ward - VE6WGW

From Bear Creek Funeral Home

April 26, 1936 - December12, 2024

Grande Prairie, BC

Walter was born in Grande Prairie to Anne and Alfred on April 26, 1936. He went to school at Sexsmith Secondary School and graduated in 1955. He went on to earn a journeyman/master electrician from SAIT. He was a long-standing member of the Sexsmith Elks Lodge and Sexsmith Legion and an active volunteer in the community.

Walter is survived by his wife Hazel, son Lawrence, daughter Brenda, grandchildren Kimberley, Alissa, Ryan and great grandson Miller, nieces and nephews and their families.

He is predeceased by his brothers Lewis and David, and sister Marion.

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Bob Leduc - VE7ALT

From Tribute Archive

Parksville, British Columbia
January 21, 1930 - September 17, 2021

Robert passed away peacefully at Dover House in Nanaimo, BC. He survived the pandemic, the lockdowns, and the 2021 heat wave, but finally succumbed to his many chronic conditions.

Born in Wainwright, Alberta, Robert had 4 younger siblings. The boy from a farm fell in love with the ocean, mountains, and forests when he travelled to Gambier Island (Camp Latona) one summer with the Wainwright Sea Cadets.

He met his wife Anna (deceased in 2014) while serving in the Canadian Naval Reserve in Esquimalt, BC. Together they had 6 children. Robert obtained his degree from the University of Alberta in Education, and a Masters from Oregon State University in Industrial Education, which he taught, for many years at UBC in Vancouver.

Upon retirement to the Sunshine Coast, Robert was an active member of the BC Emergency Measures agency, his local HAM radio club on the Sunshine Coast (VE7ALT), and his local provincial Liberal association (when they were still “liberal”). He made many friends through these activities.

Robert and Anna travelled in their RV every winter to the southern US and Mexico. He also designed and built a small home in Halfmoon Bay, and enjoyed sailing, cooking, watercolour painting, photography, gardening, reading and playing harmonica.

Children of the depression years, Robert and Anna encouraged their children to pursue education, learn music, and be resourceful.

Robert is survived by 5 children, 5 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren, as well as his 4 siblings.

The family are grateful to Dr. Trepess and the staff at Dover House in Nanaimo for their dedication and excellent care for Robert these past few years.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 6, at 11:30 am at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church at 301 Machleary Street in Nanaimo.

If you wish, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Robert's memory.

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Steve Dow - VE7ASO

From Echovita:

Here is Stephen Philip Dow’s obituary. Please accept Echovita’s sincere condolences.

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Stephen Philip Dow (Powell River, British Columbia), who passed away on June 3, 2020, at the age of 77, leaving to mourn family and friends. Leave a sympathy message to the family on the memorial page of Stephen Philip Dow to pay them a last tribute. You may also light a candle in honor of Stephen Philip Dow.

The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.

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Abraham A Peters - VE7BGM

From Devlin Funeral Home

January 16, 1933 - May 24, 2023

Gibsons, BC

Abe was born in Hague, Saskatchewan and he grew up on a farm nearby. He had 5 brothers (John, Jake, Pete, Bill, and Dave) and a sister (Ann)

He moved to Ocean Falls with his brothers, where he met his wife Irene, and worked in the Pulp Mill as a Paper Maker. When the Ocean Falls Pulp Mill shut down in 1979 he moved with his family to Gibsons, B.C. He worked at the Pulp Mill in Port Mellon until he retired.

Abe supported numerous charities in his lifetime. He loved the outdoors, camping, boating, fishing and hunting. He was also an excellent Marksman.

Predeceased by his 5 brothers, he leaves behind his wife Irene of 65 years, Sister Ann (Saskatchewan), 3 daughters, 4 grandchildren, and 4 great grand children.

Abe passed away In St. Mary's hospital with his family at his side.

Abe's estate very generously donated equipment to SCARCS that is now in use at Camp Byng, the Robert's Creek Fire Hall, and for Echolink.

ve7cgp

Arthur (Jim) Wilkinson VE7CGP

From Coast Reporter, June 21, 2019, p.65:

December 24, 1923 - May 19, 2019 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Arthur (Jim) Wilkinson of Sechelt, BC. He passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 19, 2019 at Sechelt Hospital.

He is survived by his daughter Jackie (Steve) Day; granddaughter Summer (Richie) Day- Luoma; and his best friend and fishing partner, Hugh (Sandi) Monroe. Predeceased family includes his wife of 69 years, Lola Wilkinson, his daughter Lynda Wilkinson, granddaughter Jessica Wilkinson, brothers Roy, Vernon, and Norman and sister Inez Wilkinson.

Dad was a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, friend and mentor. We are all thankful to have had him in our lives. He taught us the love and importance of family, the beauty of nature, and the importance of a smile. His granddaughter, Summer held a special place in his heart. He will be greatly missed.

Starting a job at a young age as telegraph messenger, he also learned the morse code and served in the navy during World War II as a radio operator. This led to his employment with the airlines as a radio operator during the early bush days of pioneer aviation in northern Canada, when radio was the only communication link.

Over the years his career advanced into flight dispatcher, flight operations and station manager at many locations around the world. He also learned meteorology, and participated in the development of long-range polar flights, enabling pilots to fly the pressure patterns which shortened the length of time of overseas flights. His career not only provided a very interesting life, but was the source of many wonderful stories of travel and adventure. Some of these stories he shared in the articles he wrote for the local paper under the pseudonym 'China Jim'. It was in China that he first discovered his talent to paint, and he created many beautiful pieces that he shared with his family and friends.

Dad enjoyed his retirement in Sechelt, close to his family. He made wonderful wine and enjoyed fishing and gardening. Radio communication continued to be his passion, and at the age of 95 was still communicating on his radio. He monitored Sechelt Inlet as 'Tranquility', and he also communicated with people all over the world and local amateur ratio emergency nets as 'VE7CGP'. He promoted CB radio communication for emergency response as part of our community group, Sunshine Heights Owner and Residents Society (SHORA). In years past he provided Bergie (Cougar Lady) with a CB so that she could also stay in touch.

At his request, there will be no service, but he would want each of us to think of the 'dash' between our years of birth and death. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash, treat each other with respect and smile more often. Thanks to Dr. Forgie, the wonderful staff at both Christenson Village and Sechelt Hospital for all their care, compassion and support. Thanks also to the local amateur radio operators for making it possible for Dad to stay connected to the world of radio that he loved.

Tranquililty is clear, going back to 16. VE7CGP over and out.

Together with Lola again...

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Thomas Braiden VE7CYA

From Vancouver Sun:

August 27, 1929 - March 13, 2011

BRAIDEN, Thomas Joseph. We sadly announce the death of our beloved father and husband. Tom was born in Winnipeg, served in the Canadian Navy reserves, and worked for 35 years for the Hudson's Bay Company.

During retirement in Sechelt, he loved to create, especially ships in bottles. He leaves his loving wife of 60 years Doreen, daughters Colleen (Francisco) and Tammy (Jim), grandsons T.J. (Becky) and Jesse, granddaughter Mackenzie and great granddaughter Bella. Family service to be held this summer in Sechelt, by the ocean. May the road rise to meet you...

Published on March 26, 2011

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Donald M. Prendergast - VE7DNK

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of long time club member Don Prendergast - VE7DNK.

Don was incredibly passionate about amateur radio and the Sun Coast Amateur Radio Club. He was very active in the club and in the Sunshine Coast Emergency program. Don was a leader with respect to the club's repeaters and was instrumental in getting our VHF repeater in its current location in Nanaimo.

Don brought great enthusiasm to the club and his can do attitude made things happen. Don will be sorely missed in the amateur radio club.

From Legacy.com:

With heavy hearts, the family of Donald Matthew Prendergast announces his peaceful passing at the age of 88. Don was the salt of the earth who could conduct business on his handshake and the integrity of his character. He was well known for his fairness, honesty and inclusiveness. No matter where he lived, his neighbours knew they could count on Don's help and support.

Don was born in Prince Rupert, B.C., which as a busy military port influenced Donald's future. In fact, at age twelve, the military invited Don to become a “Boy Soldier” in communication. He remained active in cadets throughout high school. Post-secondary he pursued a military career achieving the rank of lieutenant with the light anti-aircraft Irish Fusiliers Regiment of Canada. Here he gathered a great many stories to tell.

At 24 (1956), Don left Vancouver to start a new adventure with his dad, buying a ranch together in the Cariboo. This venture had a modest start with only five cows, but in time Donald grew his cow / calf operation to well over 150 head. In the early days, Donald led a frontier lifestyle living without electricity and or running water. The learning curve was steep as he had no previous experience with horses or cattle. Still, Donald persevered to become a proficient rancher and a steadfast member and director of the Cattlemen's Association. Well respected for his ideas and character, Donald implemented “Silver Dollar Days,” which tangibly demonstrated the economic impact of ranching in the 100 Mile region.

His time devoted to supporting his sons' in minor hockey will always be treasured by both. His caring presence included flooding the backyard rink, driving kids to games in distant towns and learning to skate late in his retirement so he could participate in coaching. Don capitalized on this opportunity to pass on his love of the game and some of his values.

Driving the Hawkins Lake school bus route for 30 years, he had a strong relationship with students & parents. Ham radio was an interest he enjoyed throughout his life, and he always was eager to share his passion with others.

His family and friends will miss Donald, but now he is happily operating a radio in the sky.

To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.

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Harry Almond VE7HAR

From the Coast Reporter, October 12, 2017:

This weekend people will gather to remember the remarkable life of Harry Almond.

He was a founding member of the Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue. He joined in 1988 and was an active team member for many years, as a search manager and trainer, and he remained on the team until 2009. He was active on the Sunshine Coast Arts Council, chairman of the SCRD, painter, gardener and hiker. His love of climbing mountains took him to peaks in Garibaldi Park, the Coast Mountains and Lions Bay and Mount Baker. Further afield, Almond climbed to the peaks of the Cuillin Mountains on the Island of Skye, Scotland.

I had a chance to sit down with his daughter Kim recently and she loaned me her Dad’s memoirs, called Now I Remember. A fascinating read, he recalls the adventures of his life. He was born in Leeds, England and left when he joined the Royal Air Force at the age of 18, and was a ground observer (plane spotter) at posts in Cape Town, South Africa and in Burma. He wrote about travels through Africa, India and Europe. The memoirs also detail meeting his wife Molly, their move to Canada (Toronto initially), then New Zealand and eventually back to Vancouver, where he found a job working on the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge.

In 1959 the couple fell in love with the Sunshine Coast, when they took the ferry for a weekend visit. They eventually settled in Roberts Creek and had three children, David, Kim and Rob. The pair immersed themselves in community activities. Molly joined the Tide Water Players, a group that performed musical comedies at the community hall. They joined the Arts Council in Sechelt, and he became active in politics. After Molly’s death in 1978, Almond remarried. He and his new wife Rosemary continued travelling (Fiji, Greece, Portugal) and also continued contributing to the community in which they lived.

“Looking back on my life, there is no doubt I have been very fortunate,” Almond wrote in 2012. “Settling in Canada and in Roberts Creek was the right thing to do and I could not think of a better place to be,” he wrote. Surely, the community of Roberts Creek and indeed the Sunshine Coast will miss the contributions of Harry Almond.

Almond died in his 94th year, on Aug. 30. There will be a Celebration of Life ceremony at the Sunshine Coast Botanical Gardens from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15.

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Clive B. Hall VE7HCC

From In Memoriam:

November 6, 1945 - February 20, 2012

A gentle, quiet man, kind heart, sense of humour, Clive brought so much joy and happiness to everyone. He was a wonderful, loving husband, father (step), grandfather (step), brother (in-law), son (in-law), uncle and friend. He was loved and admired by all and was so strong throughout his illness. We admired his strength and courage to fight these past four years. His body could no longer go on and he peacefully fell asleep in the comfort of our home. There were some very hard days, but his smile brought sunshine instead of sadness and he just brightened our daily lives. Friends and family, we love you for helping us through this time of our lives. It was the hardest journey we have ever had to take.

Each person who came into our lives through Vancouver Coastal Health had different strengths and played a significant part in our daily lives. We thank you for all your support. Alice came into our lives first and brought gentle, loving care and friendship that will always be with us. Clive lit up when he saw her each day; he knew he was in good hands. Jana was his favourite foot and leg massager. After he lost the ability to walk, they were so important. Donna-Rae tried ever so hard to beat him in crib. Lots of laughs and care he got from everyone. Never to be forgotten. We love you all.

Morrie, a special man who became Clive’s buddy through hospice. Perfect match and perfect friend. Dr. Robinson never rushed him and always had a wonderful smile.

Ken and his team from the Medicine Shoppe. Tremendous support and for all the deliveries. Coastability for setting up and maintaining Clive’s equipment.

How do we show enough thanks to you all for helping us through these difficult years? You are all truly amazing. and we love you.

In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to one of the following, with thanks:

ALS Society: Wonderful, caring, loving support, always there to talk, to calm and guide me through some very hard days. Sending Clive every piece of equipment we needed to get him through this time of his life, right to the door at no cost to us. Amazing group of people. (#1233 - 13351 Commerce Parkway, Richmond, BC V6V 2×7)

GF Strong: The whole team that took their time with us each visit.

PROP: Who came right to our door with all the breathing equipment and treated Clive with so much respect and caring. (#103 - 366 East Kent Avenue South, Vancouver, BC V5X 4N6)

Ruby Slipper Fund: Who graciously paid for respite time so I could have a break, donations made to the S.C. Credit Union or the Daily Roast.

Hospice Society: A wonderful volunteer organization that helps us through our daily lives.

My dearest husband, you will be missed, but you can now rest in peace. The void I have is unbearable some days. You brought so much joy into my life and everyone around you. You will never be forgotten. I love you with all my heart.

A big hug for our family and friends for being here throughout the week to make Clive’s last days special and comfortable, for giving me a shoulder to cry on and giving me strength to get him through his last days with us. Love to you all.

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Francis Konopasek VE7JS

From Obituary University of Manitoba:

October 28, 2010 It was with great sadness that his colleagues in Winnipeg learned of the death of Francis Konopasek on 28th October 2010 in British Columbia. A Professor of Physics at the University of Manitoba until his retirement in 1989, Francis played a fundamental and specialized role in the upgrading and development of the negative ion cyclotron facility here in the late seventies and eighties. The upgrading of the accelerator planned and largely implemented by the late Professor Saewong Oh finally reached fruition through the expertise of our in-house RF expert Francis Konopasek. Under his guidance, with new DEES and DEE-tips, the mode of particle acceleration was changed from push-pull mode to push-push, and with additional shimming of the magnetic field, only the main magnet remained unchanged. The energy available increased to 50 MeV for protons (H-) and now included deuterons (D-) of energies up to 25 MeV, with currents up to 20µA possible for both. Increasing the DEE voltage increased the energy gain per turn and transformed the cyclotron to a performance and variability comparable to that of a Van de Graaf accelerator at lower energy. In the end, Francis and the machine development group made this transformation possible.

Professor Konopasek obtained his BSc degree from Cambridge University in 1952, after entering as an Organ Scholar at King’s College. His Master’s degree in Mathematics followed in 1954, and led indirectly to five years practical experience with the proton synchrotron (PS) laboratory at CERN, the European nuclear facility in Geneva, Switzerland. His work on the synchrotron involved modeling and testing 16 RF stations for the PS accelerator, and some experience with power amplifiers which fitted in well with his later responsibilities in Manitoba. Starting in 1960 as a teacher of electronics at all levels: and for five years Head of the University Electrical Workshop, his expertise made him invaluable to the incorporation of all electrical facilities into the newly constructed spiral ridge cyclotron, and then the upgrading of the RF system in the early 1980s. Just prior to his retirement from the University of Manitoba, he was responsible for the design of the RF system for the proposed PAULI accelerator (Polarised and Unpolarised Light Ions), which, despite an international workshop on the proposal, never saw the light of day. Nuclear Physics was taking new directions, and retirement was the reward for Francis.

In closing, it should be noted that Professor Konopasek was a research scientist with a broad vision. He was fascinated by medical physics and was involved in the commercial production of a self-powered defibrillator. He held two patents one for the defibrillator and one for a cardiac disaster alarm. He also contributed his general knowledge to the solution of environmental problems dealing with asbestos, ureaformaldehyde foam, drugs and food among others. Our sympathy now goes out to his wife Elizabeth and family on the Sunshine Coast in BC, at this difficult time. Elizabeth and Francis actually first met at sea, on a cruise while she was working in the Merchant Navy. They then enjoyed 38 happy years together. If indeed ‘the hand is the cutting edge of the mind’, Francis had the technical ability to turn a dream into reality, and who could ask for more? He will be greatly missed.

Jasper McKee, Professor Emeritus Department of Physics and Astronomy University of Manitoba

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Joan Yvonne Wall VE7JYW