[OKDXA] G4WJS SK

[N5OK]

From: Joe <joe at princeton.edu>
Date: Sat, Dec 4, 2021 at 12:25 PM
Subject: [WSJTX] Bill Somerville, G4WJS, SK #general
To: <WSJTX at groups.io>


I am very sorry to convey the sad news that Bill Somerville, G4WJS, died
suddenly and unexpectedly a few days ago.  He was only about 65 years old.

Bill was a dear friend and very close colleague, though (as is often the
case with worldwide ham radio friendships) we had met in person only a
few times.  In 2013 he was the first to join me in forming a core
development group for WSJT-X, which at that time was at program version
0.99.  Bill has been closely involved with WSJT-X and related software
projects ever since.

Our free, open-source software could not have achieved its extensive
worldwide popularity and influence in ham radio without Bill's essential
contributions.  In addition to writing code for important portions of
the Qt-based user interface for WSJT-X, Bill helped to bring the overall
program structure more nearly up to professional standards.  Moreover,
he devoted countless hours to program support, patiently answering
user's questions on WSJT-related forums.

I have only started to think about the many ways in which I will miss
Bill -- not no mention how we all will miss his immense and positive
impact on WSJT-X and related projects.  For more than eight years Bill
and I communicated closely and regularly on ham radio topics, sometimes
many times per day.  Perhaps I will be able to write more about it in
the near future.

Rest in peace, dear friend G4WJS.

        -- Joe, K1JT


Coy C Day, N5OK
20685 SW 29
Union City, OK 73090
H(405) 483-5632 C(405) 448-2368
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