I lived in the West Central Florida area for about 5 years. Although I only had a few QSOs with Alan directly, I listened to many others he had using the NI4CE wide-area linked repeater system. Alan enjoyed amateur radio, enjoyed working with people, and especially the technical side of antennas and feed systems. An interest he and I shared.
Alan was an achiever. Among his many personal and academic achievements, he was a charter member of the West Central Florida Group, Inc., that created the ARRL West Central Florida Section, representing hams in Florida's populous Tampa Bay Area.
The linked repeater system, which the independent WCF Group, Inc. maintains and operates, is one of the most technically-impressive repeater systems I’ve ever had the pleasure of using across the United States.
I had no idea, until his passing, that he was also an ordained minister and earned a PhD. And, that he served many years as a national YMCA leader.
73 and Rest in Peace with the Lord, Rev. Dr. Alan.
Lee
W6EM
Leeds, AL
I first met Alan in the late 80's when I
joined the Florida West Coast DX Ring. I was
asked to help with the antenna removal at the
club station and Alan & I shook hands while
hanging off opposite sides of a 60ft tower.
I've never forgotten his words of wisdom,
"Don't sweat the 60ft tower, you need to
worry about the 30ft towers!" When ask why
he replied, "If you fall off of this one
you'll die. If you fall off a 30ft'er you'll
get hurt real bad."
A wonderful gentleman, mentor, and dear
friend. RIP Alan!
Bruce XW4XR - 3W3B
I first met Alan in the late 80's when I
joined the Florida West Coast DX Ring. I was
asked to help with the antenna removal at the
club station and Alan & I shook hands while
hanging off opposite sides of a 60ft tower.
I've never forgotten his words of wisdom,
"Don't sweat the 60ft tower, you need to
worry about the 30ft towers!" When ask why
he replied, "If you fall off of this one
you'll die. If you fall off a 30ft'er you'll
get hurt real bad."
A wonderful gentleman, mentor, and dear
friend. RIP Alan!
Bruce XW4XR - 3W3B