I decided to create this web page to allow a greater
number of those who knew Bill VE6VS to say goodbye.
I first heard Bill (back then he was VE6IRE) on a
handheld scanner before I became a ham. Once I became a ham in 1992 he
was one of my first contacts. As many Hams do, they form a picture in
their mind of what a person looks like, based on their voice.
Bill’s voice was very friendly and distinctive with
his Scottish accent. To this day, he is the only person who fit the
mental picture I formed in my mind based on his voice.
We met for the first time, meeting another ham for
coffee at the West-End Truck Stop. I had my first ride with Bill which
was an experience to say the least. As you know Bill was short in stature
and behind the steering wheel he just peered over it. With the luck of
the Irish (his last name being Ireland) we made it to our first coffee
meet.
Bill became a good friend and a staunch supporter of
Amateur Radio over the time I knew him. Bill was a regular on the
Edmonton amateur repeaters, as well as the SARA and IPARN (Provincial
and national radio link networks). Bill started Alberta’s involvement
of a weekly cross Canada net, that still runs today, which is held over linked
repeaters (now via the internet) on the West Coast, Prairies and the
Eastern Maritime Provinces.
Bill for a long time lived in his mobile home with
his trusty companion and guard dog Bambie. The two were inseparable,
making daily trips to his favourite hang out, Wendy’s. At the end of the
day, Bill always had a reward for his dog, who took his duty seriously
of keeping all curious onlookers at bay from the car in the parking lot.
I know Bill will be missed by many and not hearing
his voice on the air will be a loss to ham radio.
So farewell and I am glad to have known you.
73
VE6BCA
