[QCWA] QCWA Silent Keys

[VE3ES]

 >>"Our members need to make their families aware of just how 
important this hobby and organization are to them. In other words we 
need to give a written notice to our kids and loved ones with all the 
pertinent QCWA data including our callsign and QCWA membership number 
along with QCWA addresses and telephone numbers. The family should be 
instructed of the importance of notifying the organization so that 
the amateur fraternity can be aware of the loss of one of our own."


This discussion concerning Silent Keys bring up a very important 
issue and having dealt with the estates of three ham radio ops 
locally in the last month I completely agree with the above 
comments.  To add to this issue is what to do with the stations that 
the silent keys leave behind.  I have had family after family 
thinking that the Kenwood TS-530S that "dad" left behind was worth 
thousands of dollars.  The look on their faces when they find out 
what it is really worth makes it clear that has been quite a 
disconnect within the family when it comes to "dad's hobby" (or 
"mom's hobby" as the case may be).

Our local club has been trying to get the message thru to all that it 
is best to leave behind some instructions on what the station is 
comprised of, what it might be worth, who to turn to when the family 
attempts to deal with the personal effects left behind, etc, etc, etc.

The biggest hurdle is in getting word out about the death of a ham 
radio operator.  Not only should QCWA be informed but the national 
organization that he/she was a member of, the local club, etc.  And 
here in Canada, a major problem exists when a ham dies and nobody 
contacts Industry Canada.  The I.C. data base probably has hundreds 
and hundreds of call signs that are still issued to long deceased 
amateurs.  Coveted 2 letter calls especially which are in very short 
supply in VE3-land for example sit for years within the data base 
when no one in the family contacted either the local ham radio club 
or Industry Canada to let them know of the death of a ham.  This 
happens regularly to both active and non-active hams.

Given that this hobby is all about communicating with others, it is 
interesting how those comms all fall apart at the death of a ham 
radio operator.  Nobody wants to talk about this issue within the 
family but a lot of grief and problems can be averted by leaving 
written instructions on who to contact upon the death of a ham.

Bill VE3ES
Windsor, Ontario