Page 14 January February 2018 TCA

Roly authored the book Marconi to Bruce Stewart, VE6ATY, met Roly shortly after he
the Mobile Age: A History of arrived in Lethbridge, Alberta. Bruce recalls:
Amateur Radio in Newfoundland
and Labrador, which is due for “He joined our Amateur Radio Club immediately.
publication in 2018. Roly made many contributions. His personality was
appreciated by all. My most pleasant memory is our
For Roly, Amateur Radio has been weekly Morse code and CW skeds. My skills
a lifelong passion. He has touched improved with his patience. I look forward to
many lives, both in person and on presenting the CARHOF plaque to Roly.”
the air. RAC Vice‑President and
SONRA Past‑President Doug Roland Peddle, VE6RL (VO1BD) was formally
Mercer, VO1DM, reminisces: inducted into the Canadian Amateur Radio Hall of
Fame at an event in Lethbridge on November 28,
“Roly and I crossed paths many 2017. Bruce Stewart, VE6ATY, represented Radio
times, starting as a boy watching Amateurs of Canada at the event and presented
him with antennas and wires and Roly with the plaque. The induction ceremony was
then helping him (I always had attended by Roly’s family, friends and a number of
many questions!), then at age 18 at Amateurs from southern Alberta, some of which are
St. Thomas’ Church, I became his shown in the photograph on the previous page. It
assistant for VOWR church was a most enjoyable and fun gathering for all!
broadcasts. Later I fulfilled my
dream and became an Amateur; After receiving the news earlier in November of his
we spoke often at his QSL Bureau. Then as SONRA President induction into the Hall of Fame, Roly said:
we reconnected as he wrote his book. Roly is truly my mentor. “Congratulations to all in CARHOF who preceded me. Amateur
He always had a twinkle in his eye and a permanent grin. He is Radio is the most interesting of my four hobbies (stamps,
soft spoken, mild mannered, always willing to help. Full value genealogy, classical music). I am forever grateful for the love and
for CARHOF!” support of my family. Amateur Radio is a wonderful activity, and
Joe Craig Sr., VO1FB, has many fond memories: especially for young people learning new technologies. It will
help their careers. I’ve benefited tremendously from Amateur
“During the years, I have enjoyed the hospitality at Roly and Radio; I’m honoured to give back. I encourage young prospective
Barbara’s home in St. John’s, and receiving cards from foreign Amateurs to pursue their goals and dreams. The best part is the
Amateurs during Roly’s long tenure as QSL Bureau Manager. people you’ll meet along the way. 73s to all readers!”
Roly and Barbara were always generous. On several
occasions, I was treated to tea and cakes. We often Prepared by Frank Davis, VO1HP
collaborated to find that rare DX station for our totals.” Chair, Board of Trustees
Canadian Amateur Radio Hall of Fame
Garry Hammond, VE3XN, in Listowel, Ontario recalls:
“My first QSO was VO1BD in 1968 – his QSL showed his President’s Message / Message du Président
Newfoundland pride: ‘First trans-Atlantic wireless, Marconi – continued from page 7 | suit de la page 7 –
1901 – First trans-Atlantic flight, Alcock and Brown 1919 – our Maple Leaf Operators Membership level. Other national
Britain’s oldest Colony – Canada’s newest Province’. Roly was Amateur Radio organizations – as well as non‑Amateur
an ambassador for Newfoundland. When Roly, Barbara and organizations supported by membership – have several levels
son Derek visited (1994), I’ll never forget when Roly politely of participation allowing those who are able to do so to make
excused himself and laid down in the backyard gazing higher contributions to sustain the organization. I am hoping
skyward, taking pictures of my Trylon tower and stacked yagi that the new Silver and Gold Maple Leaf Operator levels will
beams! Roly, thank you for the many QSOs, your radio make this possible. If you are able to do so please join our
insights, guidance, enthusiasm, and volunteering with CARF, new Maple Leaf Operator Program at whatever level you can.
CRRL and RAC, and your advice and encouragement to me More information about this new initiative will be posted on
and many others. You are truly deserving for the Hall of Fame!” our website in January.
For Charlie Marsh, VO1VZ, he and Roly also taught at the Glenn MacDonell, VE3XRA – RAC President and Chair
same school:
Alors nous avons décidé, dans le cadre des célébrations de
“Roly is responsible for me becoming an Amateur. He was my notre 25 anniversaire, de créer au début de 2018 deux
e
mentor. I was most impressed with his personality; so kind and nouvelles catégories dans le niveau d’adhésion Opérateur
gentle. And organized! We are thankful for his dedication to Maple Leaf. D’autres associations nationales en
Amateur Radio, and what he’s done to preserve its history.” radioamateurisme – et dans d’autres sphères d’activités
supportées par leurs membres – ont établi plusieurs niveaux
Everett (Ev) Price, VO1DK, commented:
de participation qui permettent à ceux qui le peuvent de
“I’ve known Roly for many years since we volunteered at supporter davantage leur organisme. J’espère que les
VOWR and maintained its transmitter site. As SONRA member nouvelles catégories Argent et Or du niveau Opérateur Maple
and Past-President I saw Roly’s superb abilities as QSL Leaf pourront rendre cela possible. Nous encourageons tous
Manager. In later years I had the pleasure of seeing portions of ceux qui le peuvent à joindre un niveau supérieur d’Opérateur
his book. When it is published, we’ll certainly acquire one for Maple Leaf. Plus de détails sur ce nouveau projet seront
the Admiralty House Communications Museum.” présentés sur notre site Web en janvier.
Rick Burke, VO1SA and Barry Harris, VO1NC, both added: Glenn MacDonell, VE3XRA – RAC President and Chair
“Roly is a true Amateur and gentleman.” – Traduction par René Levesque, VE2CNJ. Merci René!

12