[QCWA] Something to think about

[Ken Simpson, W8EK]

I would like to relate something that happened recently 
that pertains to QCWA, and give you all something to think 
about.

Recently, I was contacted about helping to dispose of a 
Silent Key's ham equipment.  I have done this maybe 10 
or 12 times before, so did not think much about it.  But 
this time it was somewhat different  -- in a good way.

First, the silent key had specifically listed in his will that his 
ham equipment was to be sold, and the proceeds were to 
go to the QCWA Scholarship Fund.  Even though there is 
over a half million dollars endowment in the QCWA 
Scholarship Fund, it can always use more, so this is a 
good thing.  Adding it as a part of ones will means that it 
will get done for sure. It is something that all of us might 
want to think about doing.

Second, this silent key was extremely organized.  His 
equipment was in good shape, but equally important, he 
had all of the manuals for everything.  In addition, he had 
kept most of the original boxes in the attic, and his daughter 
knew where everything was located.  This was a tremendous 
help.

I told the widow and daughter that, based on past experience, 
it would likely take about 3 months to sell 75 or 80% of the 
equipment, and another year or more for the remaining items.  
I was wrong, and I am glad that I was.  Because everything 
functioned like it should, and the manuals and boxes were 
available, it cut the time considerably it took me to check 
everything out to see that it was working properly.  I have 
been able to sell about 95% of the equipment in less than 
one month.  The remain portion is small parts like we all 
accumulate, and together probably will not net more than 
$25, if that.  

So the bottom line is that a bit of pre-planning does pay off -- 
something we can all think about.

Thanks.

73,

Ken, W8EK

Ken Simpson
QCWA Director Candidate
E-mail to W8EK at speakeasy.net or W8EK at arrl.net
Voice Phone  (352) 732-8400