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Howard E. 'Rip' Van Winkle Boulder, CO QCWA # 19353 Chapter 58 |
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Howard "Rip" Van Winkle, 92, died peacefully on July 24th in Hospice care.
Rip was born in a farmhouse in Stone Ridge, New York, and moved to Boulder more than sixty years ago. Rip spent his career with IBM as an electrical engineer.
A decorated veteran, he served in the army during World War 2. In the course of his service he earned a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star.
He is survived by his sister Anne, niece Helen Ernst, nephew Jim Morgan, and seven other nieces and nephews.
Rip and his late wife Ellie(NØQCX) ran an Amateur Radio program for kids called BARC JR (Boulder Amateur Radio Club Junior). The program operated out of their Boulder home for 24 years, and continues under new leadership even today. Through their efforts, more than 250 kids became licensed Amateur Radio operators. Rip's callsign was NVØM. Rip touched the hearts and minds of countless kids, shaping the adulthood of many who are now grown up. He and Ellie didn't just teach ham radio, but through their love and selflessness stood as examples of what true heroes can be. They will be sorely missed. 73 & 88.
A memorial celebration is being planned. For more information, please contact ripvwmemorial@gmail.com.
Published in Broomfield Enterprise from July 29 to July 30, 2017