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Robert C. 'Bob' Johnson Amherst, NY QCWA # 8730 |
Bob Johnson, W2WVC died on Friday, November 7, 1997 at his home in Amherst. Bob was a long time member of WNYDXA and a regular attendee of our functions and meetings. He was always ready to provide technical advice and assist other amateurs.
Karen Brady, Buffalo News Staff Reporter, referred to Bob as the "dean of Western New York's amateur radio community". Bob's niece, Shirley M. Csepegi reported that Bob received his first amateur radio operator's license at age 14. At the time of his demise he held the post of ARRL Technical Coordinator for the Western New York Section, a post for which he was exceptionally qualified.
Bob built a career in communications, becoming well respected in Western New York. He helped to construct broadcast stations WADV-FM, WBNY-FM and WGR-TV. He also served as a communications systems consultant to the Erie County Sheriff's, Highway and other departments. At the time of his retirement a year ago, he had served 25 years as chief of medical media services at Veteran's Hospital in Buffalo.
Bob's cottage in South Wales was well known as an operating site. In addition to WNYDXA, he belonged to the ARRL, QCWA and BARRA. He also belonged to the Vermont Hill Club. This 'cottage' known to many as 'The Hill' was where many WNYDXA and QCWA picnics held each summer and many a contest was held in the fall and winter months. The cottage was purchased by 4 four WNYDXA members after Bob's death, and is still owned by a WNYDXA member.
Bob was survived by a niece and a brother, Russell, of Elma, NY. Bob was sorely missed both in the community and at our meetings but his inspiration will remain with us. Much of this report was taken from The WNYDXA Report of December 1997.
CREDITS
Obituary/biography: Western New York DX Association
Photo #1: Western New York DX Association