It was with a saddened heart I learned today that a long time friend died yesterday. I have known Joe since the 1970's when he taught at Princton High School; long before he move on to be the ARRL Ohio Section Manager.
Joe had been in regular attendance at the SWORC Wednesday before Hamvention get together at La Rosa's in Forest Park.
When I got the phone call Sunday night telling me that Joe had passed away, I was stunned. You will never meet a more vibrant, enthusiastic, likeable guy than Joe. He was the master of the Wouff Hong ceremony. And you could always find him because of that bright red blazer he wore. He was a credit to the Ohio Section. If the ARRL had a Joe Phillips as section manager in every section, everyone would be an ARRL member.
73 to K8QOE You will be missed.
yea, sad news indeed! I'm going to miss Joe. He was one of the people that held my interest in ham radio. He was not afraid of going against Newington to get a job done, a move that may have cost an appointed position, but secured his elected position. Joe will be difficult to replace.
I, too, was shocked when I got the phone call. I respected Joe's intelligence,dedication, enthusisam, and unflagging good humor. I knew him as a ham, leader, and commentator, and I imagine he must have been a great teacher.
The priest at Joe's funeral gave a wonderful homily, comparing our enjoyment of something we cannot see, radio, to our need and appreciation of spirituality. Joe would have loved it. Requiescat in pace.