I’ve had my amateur radio license since the mid-1990s, but I took a hiatus from the hobby for a couple of years for various reasons a few years ago.  When I got back on the air a couple of years ago, one of the first people I talked to was Don, VE3DRO.  An older chap, I actually met him in person one Friday morning at a gathering of local hams in a Tim Horton’s in Orleans just a few weeks after getting back into the hobby.

Since then, I’ve talked to him periodically, mostly on the VE3RIX repeater.  (I’m not on the air every day, so a fair bit of time can pass between conversations with other hams.)  He always seemed to be in a good mood and was a nice guy to talk to.  The hobby needs more people like him.

Last night I received an email that Don had become a silent key — he passed away a couple of nights ago.  Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend the memorial service today, but I heard that it was standing room only.

Rest in peace, Don.  Your voice will be missed on the air.

73 de Gordon, VE3XGD