Topic: Eric Falkof, K1NUN, SK

[W1RC]

Our good friend and all-around great guy, Eric, K1NUN, past away unexpectedly on Sunday November 17th 2013 at his home in Wayland Massachusetts.  I was surprised to learn of his passing because he was fit, trim and appeared to be in great health.  In fact I received an e-mail from him detailing the previous days' activities the same day that he passed away.

John, KB1FQG, and I attended the memorial service held for Eric held in Wayland Massachusetts on Thursday November 21st.  The main chapel at Temple Shir Tikva was filled to capacity and a good number of area radio amateurs were present to pay their last respects to our friend.  Eric's XYL, Nancy, KB1OCP, asked John to say a few words at the service about K1NUN.  John spoke eloquently representing Eric's many amateur radio friends and made us all proud.  He said that "I began my tribute saying that Eric was one of my radio friends.  In fact, Eric was one of my friends whom I met through radio."

Eric was the driving force behind the amateur radio project at the Zola Center in West Newton, MA, a "drop-in" center for physically disabled adults.  Over the past two years Eric established an HF radio station and several of the folks were able to obtain their licences. 

Eric's current project at the Center was to assemble some surplus commercial gear and give the stations to some of the licensed members to use at home.  They received donations of several Motorola GM300 VHF radios.  Since none were forthcoming and needed to complete the stations in May 2013 NEAR-Fest contributed eight 12 Volt switching power supplies to the Zola Center.   We were happy to help this fine gentleman with his most worthwhile project.

Eric was first licensed in the mid 1960s while still a teenager and held an Amateur Extra Class license.  Amateur radio played a very iportant role in his life.  His interests ranged from QRP to vintage tube equipment and the gear in his shack included a state-of-the-art Elecraft KX-3 to a BC-611 WW-II walky talkie on 3885 Kcs.  He wrote several articles for 73 MAGAZINE over the years and even worked at their editorial offices in Peterborough NH as an assistant editor for a while in the 1970s.  Here is a link to some of his articles:

http://mikeyancey.com/73mag/listauthor.php?Author=k1nun

We shall miss him greatly and remember him fondly.  NEAR-Fest has already taken steps to ensure that Eric's project will continue as he would have wanted.

73,

MrMike, W1RC

[GuinnessJohn]

Well done Mr. Mike!

John Flood
KB1FQG

[W1RC]

On Saturday December 14th there was a meeting at the Zola Center in Newton. 

Several non-members were present with one goal in mind - to ensure that the project that Eric started would continue.  Phil Temples, K9HI, the ARRL Eastern MA Section Manager presented Donna with a cash donation.  Mister Mike, W1RC, also had a surprise for the club - an ICOM VHF/UHF D-Star transceiver which will allow club members holding Technician-class licences will be capable of world-wide communications using the newest technology.  NEAR-Fest provided the radio thanks to a generous discount from ICOM AMERICA.  Mr Mike, W1RC, has designated John Flood, KB1FQG, NEAR-Fest Forums Chairman the D-Star Coordinator and Educator to the Zola Club and will instruct them in its' use and operation.

It has been a distinct honor and privilege to help ensure that the club started by Eric, K1NUN (SK) will continue in the direction he had intended it to go.

Bob Drukman, Zola Center Club Coordinator described the meeting as follows:

"We held a very spirited and pleasant meeting of the Zola Center  radio group on Saturday, December 14.
 
In attendance were three of the newer hams: Howie, KB1QVY, Donna, KB1QVT, and Jeff, KB1QVW.  Among the "Elmers" (more experienced hams) were: Tony, K1CEI, Dan, W1DAN, Eric, KV1J, Mike, W1RC, John, KB1FQG, Phil, K9HI, who is the Eastern Mass. section coordinator for A.R.R.L.,and Bob, WA1IDA, who is the Eastern Mass Information Officer for A.R.R. L.

The morning started with Donna, Jeff, and Howie getting their new  Motorola GM300 two-meter radios. Howie also was kind enough to take a radio and deliver it to Art, WA1YXR.  Two more radios will be going out shortly to Christine, KB1QVZ, and Matt, N1IBB.  Christine, unfortunately, could not attend due to illness and Matt is in New Jersey getting a new guide dog.

After a great pizza lunch there was a wonderful presentation made by Mike W1RC on behalf of Near Fest. He presented a brand new Icom D STAR radio to the Zola Radio Club. 

John KB1FQG, will take the radio and program it.

The main focus of our next meeting, which will be on January 25 will be to have John conduct a learning seminar  so we can all become familiar with what the radio can do and how to operate it.

Another cash presentation was made by Phil, K9HI, on behalf of the Eastern Mass A.R.R.L. section in Eric K1NUN's memory."

Thank you Bob for taking over the leadership of the club.  We are comfortable that the club is in good hands.

73,

MrMike, W1RC