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Rodney H. 'Rod' Newkirk Ottawa, ON QCWA # 27232 Chapter 70 WW II Veteran (USA) VA3ZBB - W9BRD |
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It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the death of Rod. Beloved husband to Betty. Predeceased by his first wife Carol. Father to David (Nancy) of New Jersey, Douglas (Beverly), Elizabeth, Amanda (Karen) all of Chicago. Stepfather to John (Cathy) Broome. Loving Grandfather to Erin (Blair), Quinn (Kat), Jeff, Christopher, Alexander and Katherine and several great grandchildren. Survived by sister, Gloria.
Rod will be remembered for his extensive work and contributions to amateur radio. His column "How's DX" was a regular feature in the QST Magazine and more recently he made regular contributions to the K9YA.org site. He was inducted into the CQ Hall of Fame.
A private family funeral has been held. Friends are invited to join Rod's family at the Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes (3440 Richmond Road, by Bayshore), on Thursday November 22nd from 2 until 4 p.m. for a celebration of Rod's life and a reception to follow from 4 until 5 p.m. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Rod may do so to the charity of their choice.
QCWA Life Member 27232 - Noted QST Columist for many years, moved to Onario many years ago. The last address we have was in Ottawa. Somewhere I have a stack of card notes from Rod from my early years DXing and a letter about 15 years ago that details why he moved to Canada. For years his main job was the communications officer for the Chicago PD. The obituary was published in the Ottawa Citizen on November 20th. GM Jim LaPorta, N1CC
There are several article's @ www.arrl.org/news on W9BRD if you wish to read more about this pioneer of Ham Radio!
RODNEY H. (ROD) NEWKIRK - VA3ZBB QCWA # 27232
Grew up in Chicago, Illinois
Education / Employment History
1942-1943 - US War Department (Washington, DC) - civilian radio operator at Station WAR.
1943-1946 - US Army Signal Corps - served in Florida, Papua-New Guinea and Phillipines.
1946-1986 - Illinois State Police - Radio - Began as CW radio operator/technician on ISP circuits. Later, voice radio dispatcher function was added.
1947-1952 - American Radio Relay League - part-time writer-editor, while still with Illinois State Police
1952-1954 - American Radio Relay League - Newington, Connecticut - custodian of Station W1AW.
1954-1978 - American Radio Relay League - columnist "How's DX?" in QST, while back with Illinois State Police. Coined terms "Elmer" and "DXpedition".
1986 - Retired from Illinois State Police.
2004-2009 - Wrote monthly column in "K9YA Telegraph" e-zine, and appointed Contributing Editor in 2008.
Amateur Radio History
1937 - First licensed as W9BRD in Chicago, Illinois. Held that call sign until death.
1952-1954 - assigned callsign W1VMW while at ARRL HQ.
1954 - back in Illinois with original call sign W9BRD.
1984 - Elected CQ DX Hall of Fame.
1994 - Invited to speak at W9DXCC banquet.
1997 - Moved to Canada and married Betty VE3ZBB.
2000 - Received matching Canadian call sign VA3ZBB.
Active in Ottawa on HF CW and 2M FM. Regular at weekly breakfasts until Sept 2009.
Holds ARRL 55 WPM Certificate.
Member of RAC, ARRL, OARC, OVMRC, CRRA, FISTS and Morse Telegraph Club.
Member of QCWA and Chapter 70. Was presented with QCWA QCWA "70 Years Licensed" Golden Certificate and lapel pin at the Chapter 70 May 2007 dinner meeting and the QCWA Century Certificate at the Chapter 70 May 2010 dinner meeting.
Rod passed away Nov 19, 2012
Biography prepared by VE3XK with assistance from VA3ZBB and VE3ZBB 2010-12-12
Betty - VA3ZBB (former VE3ZBB)
Rod - VA3ZBB (former W9BRD)
