Bill Carney, W1BXM
Many knew Bill as N1RKB who was on the air on the 955 repeater for many years during the commute hours... a staple in the afternoons. For years Bill would operate from his "bus" carrying special needs children to and from school throughout the region. Years before that he worked as a draftsman.
Bill was always on the air talking about his interest in the sciences and was working very hard at earning the Amateur Extra Class license. He had recently changed his callsign to take on the vanity callsign of his "elmer" Guy Bowden, W1BXM. Bill was interested in many aspect of the hobby as well as exploring the internet on his computer and looking at the alternative OS's like Linux. Bill also was part of the "scanner" sub-group at PART and had attended the scanner gatherings we held in the past.
Bill was instrumental in starting the monthly Saturday PART breakfast which for years met at the old Bickford's on Drum Hill in Chelmsford and then moved on to the Westford Regency.
James T. Silva, KB1NEW
James was born on August 28, 1953 the son of Betty L. Silva who survives him and resides in Chelmsford. James was a member of the Lowell First Church of the Nazarene. He received an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. He was an active member of the Red Cross and on the disaster recovery team. He was also a liaison for the Mass Bay Council. He enjoyed cooking and was a history buff who enjoyed reading about the Civil War. Jim became a Ham in 2006 and joined PART soon afterwards. In addition to his mother, James is survived by his wife Bonnie M. (Smith), his second mother Eleanor Wheeler of Chelmsford, mother-in-law Theora B. Smith of Nashua, sister-in-law Shirley Jean Smith of Nashua, brother-in-law John M. Smith of Pepperell and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his beloved dog Buddy.
Thomas Hughes, AG1I
Tom was one of the original founders of PART back in the early 1970’s and was a constant supporter of PART over the years.
Tom has had many interests during his life… fly tying, bridge, photograph and ham radio to mention only a few. I think his fondest interest was ham radio and in particular chasing DX. Tom is listed in the ARRL DXCC Honor roll with 343 countries confirmed. That is quite an accomplishment! You could always find Tom at the CW tent on Field Day making contacts right and left.
Tom will definitely be missed.
Bo Budinger
WA1QYM
President, PART of Westford
From the Lowell Sun:
Thomas Alfred Hughes, Jr. lifelong resident of Westford, WWII Vet.;
Thomas Alfred Hughes, Jr., age 82, a lifelong resident of Westford, died on Sunday January 13, 2008 at Palm Manor Nursing Home in Chelmsford, following a brief illness. He was the husband of the late Phyllis (Harnden) Hughes. He was born Feb. 25, 1925, and raised in Westford, son of the late Thomas A. Hughes, Sr. & Gertrude (Saucier) Hughes. He attended local public schools and was a long time communicant of St. Catherine of Alexandria Church in Westford. At age 15, he became the youngest amateur radio operator in Westford. His ability prompted the Navy to assign him to be the radio operator on a Naval Repair Ship in the Navy during World War II. It was during his time in the service, his parents accepted his diploma upon graduation since he was serving in the Pacific. He graduated from the RCA Institute in New York City after World War II. His training in, and interest in electronic engineering and his natural ability in mathematics provided him a lifetime of professional achievements and personal enjoyment. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Hughes worked as an electrical engineer for many years. According to the family, Thomas was a man of many interests and talents, and was very active in the community. In recent years, he was an avid duplicate bridge player and regularly participated in bridge tournaments locally and throughout New England. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing with many lifelong friends in New England and Canada. His love of nature was also exhibited in his love for dogs. He even kept a supply of dog biscuits for his neighbor's dogs when they visited. He was also loved photography and learned to develop his own film. He created a collection of photographs from fishing expeditions and community events, which he loved to share with others. An avid Ham-Radio Operator, he enjoyed contacting fellow operators around the world, and was on the AARL DXCC Honor Roll for having contacted over 340 countries He was a charter member of the Police Amateur Radio Team (PART). He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, he was past commander of the VFW, member of the Westford Sportsmen's Club, and member of the local camera club. Mr Hughes also attended many lectures given by local historical societies, took a memorable trip to Alaska, and had attended several annual reunions of his WWII Naval Ship. He is survived by his daughter, Phyllis, of Washington, DC, and numerous friends and acquaintances.