Topic: Joe ?JoJo? Areyzaga, K1JGA, SK

[W1RC]

Joseph G. Areyzaga, K1JGA, of Manchester NH accidentally became a Silent Key on Saturday, July 27th 2019 at Deerfield NH.  Joe and Michael Rancourt, K1EEE, were taking down Mike?s tower when it suddenly collapsed.  They were both wearing safety belts and fell 40+ feet tethered to the tower.  Joe and Mike were transported to the Elliott Hospital in Manchester NH where sadly Joe did not survive his injuries.  Mike was very seriously injured but fortunately he is recovering.

There is a valuable lesson to be learned from this tragedy.

Both Joe and Mike were regular attendees at NEAR-Fest.  ?JoJo? was very active on the Interstate Repeater Society 146.850 Derry repeater and a volunteer in the NEAR-Fest Thursday night campground crew run by Joe, K1JEK, and the Port City club.  Mike was a member of the Contoocook Valley Radio Club and was instrumental in building KA1SKY which is the amateur radio station at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord NH, a gift from NEAR-Fest nearly a decade ago.

We want to express our condolences to Joe?s XYL Elizabeth and his six sons and daughters as well as our hopes to Mike for a speedy and full recovery.  NEAR-Fest XXVI is dedicated in Joe?s honour and memory.

Photo below:  Happier days:  K1JGA in full WW-II flight gear at the BC-348 radio receiver on a B-17 bomber.......

Article in NEW HAMPSHIRE UNION LEADER July 31 2019

https://www.unionleader.com/news/safety/ham-radio-operator-killed-in-deerfield-tower-crash/article_e21dadf3-3ec7-544c-8da0-1c05f864c806.html

Wonder why it took them SIX DAYS to cover this story?

News Report from WMUR-TV.  This also took five days to break the story.

https://www.wmur.com/article/ham-radio-operator-killed-when-tower-he-was-dismantling-collapses/28570300

Obituary from THE NEW HAMPSHIRE UNION LEADER July 31st 2019

Joseph G. Areyzaga, 52, of Goffstown died tragically on July 27, 2019 at the Elliot Hospital in Manchester, NH.

He was born on August 11, 1966 in Boston, MA to the late Frederick Areyzaga and Mary Eatherton.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife Elizabeth Areyzaga, 49; Sons: Tyler and Andrew Fournier and Joseph McHatton; daughters: Michelle Areyzaga; Courtney and Stephanie Fournier; and many siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Joe worked as grounds supervisor for Aramark for 20 years. He was a ham radio enthusiast, avid boater, the ultimate helper, a true
Renaissance Man. He was a family man who enjoyed spending time with loved ones with a plate full of steak tips and cold one. He was revered by all for his selflessness and willingness to help anyone in need.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Interstate Repeater Society.