Joel and I first met on 20m in November 2008. Our first "eyeball" meeting was at the Visalia DX Convention in April 2009. We haad many interesting technical discussions on the air, and got together again twice - in Phoenix in 2010, and again at the 2011 Dayton Hamvention where Johnny VR2XMC joined us.
I shall never forget Joel's skills at the BBQ. He was always the salmon chef at an annual BBQ hosted by our friend Norm W7LFA in Washington State. As the years went by, Joel's health and mobility declined and he was no longer able to attend. I still go every year, but miss him very much.
Joel was a true gentleman, a wonderful radio amateur and a dear friend to me. His loss saddens me still. May he be forever inscribed in the Book of Life.
73, dear OM Joel.
I never met Joel in person. I did talk to him on the air,
introduced by my friend Adam VA7OJ.
Joel was a nice guy, and good ham. I enjoyed our on-air
chats.
Rest in Peace my friend.