[NJARC] DOC WA2IFS SILENT KEY

[pmalvasi at aol.com]

I am sorry to report that our friend "DOC" WA2IFS has become a Silent Key on Feb.8.  Doc was a frequent hamfest vendor, antique radio and ham radio AM guy.  Never a harsh word from Doc, always a gentleman and always enjoyed our hobby.  Doc had medical issues over the past few years with his heart.  I don't know what happened last week specifically.  Last I saw him was at Oakland and BARA hamfests last summer and fall, and I know he went to AWA, as he usually did.

Doc once was on the air from West Milford, NJ QTH holding onto his D105 while on 75 meter AM.  He didn't know what hit him after startingt to feel odd - and later woke up in a hospital room a day or so later. His XYL found him on the floor unconcious and they assumed he had a heart attack but the hospital couldn't confim it.  When he came home he noticed burned out components in his shack - apparently got hit by lightning but it was not a direct strike. The closest the storm had come that night was miles away..

Rest in Peace Doc.