“Always go to other people’s funerals; otherwise they won’t go to yours.”
This morning I went to the funeral for Roger, W8ZRF, who passed away about a week ago. When I got to the church, I looked around and was disappointed that only one other ham—Margaret, W8MAG— was there.
During the homily, the priest mentioned Roger’s great interest in amateur radio. If you read the obituary, you realize how much amateur radio shaped Roger’s life. After the mass, Roger’s son also offered a remembrance, and recounted how big a role that amateur radio played. I learned a great deal about Roger that I hadn’t known before.
At lunch, Maragaret and I took the opportunity to speak to the family. I told them how well-respected that Roger was in our community, and how Roger had helped hundreds, if not thousands, get their amateur radio licenses. While they knew that their father was an avid amateur radio operator, I don’t think they realized that he had touched the lives of so many hams.
I’d like to encourage you all to make the effort to attend the funerals of SKs that you knew. Chances are that you’ll learn something about a friend and you’ll help the family by sharing your memories of the deceased with the family.
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