My wife received a report of the passing yesterday of Julio, D44BC
of a heart attack while in Portugal.
Many of us have worked Julio over the years. Others have operated
from Julio's including the recent German team and for several
years Contest Hall of Famer Jim Neiger, N6TJ at the controls.
Noted DXer Julio Vera-Cruz, D44BC, of Mindelo, Cape Verde, is reported to have died October
13, 1999 in Portugal after suffering a heart attack. He was 67 years old. Vera-Cruz was well known on
the bands, and others--including Contest Hall of Famer Jim Neiger, N6TJ--have operated over the years from D44BC station.
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From the ARRL Web Site.
My friend Julio spent a couple of weeks with us on several occations. He felt obligated to dx and contest, as for years he was the only amateur on the islands. He had many stories to tell as he had traveled alot. He's the only person I know who has spent $300 in a McCroy's store. When we went to the airlines the man said "this is US Air, not Allied Van Lines". Julio put on the charm and never paid an excess baggage fee. He bragged he never paid excess fees. He also loved children. He disliked unruly pileups and as many know, could really voice his displeasure and then QRT. We'll all miss Julio's booming signal from Cape Verde. None of his family have an interest in radio, so the call of D44BC, ex D4CBC, will only live in the memories of those hams who had a chance to know this exciting ham personality. 73's my friend, we'll see you down the log.
Worked Julio many time on 75 mtrs. Always a pleasure to work. We will miss him.
I missed hearing Julio in the last few contests and wondered where he was. He was always the "Voice of Cape Verde" it seemed. I'm sorry he is gone, and will always remember feeling fortunate for having worked him before the pile-ups brought on the infamous QRT.
73/88,