It is with great sadness that we have to report the death of Dr Bob Whelan, G3PJT.
Bob’s contribution to amateur radio was extensive. First licensed in 1961, his main interest was in HF/LF CW operation. In this he soon became a strong supporter of the Commonwealth Contest, operating from a number of DX locations for the contest over the years. He wrote the book “Reflections in a Rosebowl” which covers the history of the Commonwealth Contest and he put much effort into building an on-line Commonwealth Contest community.
Professionally, Bob was a solid state physicist and served as a non-executive director on a number of high technology organisations.
Bob played a very significant role in RSGB and IARU, firstly as a member of the HF Committee and Management Committees of RSGB and then for two periods as President of RSGB. He also served on the Interim Board in RSGB during a period of turbulence in the Society’s affairs. He was a Board member of the Radio Communications Foundation in the UK, and also represented IARU in CEPT on radio spectrum regulation.
Bob always offered thoughtful and authoritative advice on amateur radio matters and will be very much missed. Amateur radio has lost one of its giants.
We send our condolences to his wife Rosemary and their family at this sad time.
(Thanks to Don Beattie G3BJ for this thoughtful obituary)
I must agree with every word – and he was such a lovely person. RIP Bob.
Nick G3RWF
A great loss to our hobby. I got to know Bob quite well many years ago when we co-authored a review of the K2 in RadCom. And also being photographed with him in the entrance lobby of Wyboston where in his president’s role he presented me the G4STT award for QRP operating – why it happened there is a story in itself. Great chap and great to QSO on the air and he will be missed.73 Dave G3YMC
He was very kind to me when I visited him with Commonwealth Contest questions when he published his book; very accommodating and encouraging for a young contester – a Gentleman Paul G0WAT
Agree with everything that has been said. A real gent! I bought a used TenTec Orion from Bob a decade and more ago – will drag it out and use it on the air for a while for old time’s sake!
73, Quin G3WRR
Very sad news. Before moving to Lancashire we used to see Bob and Rosemary frequently. He always offered sage advice, delivered with his own sense of humour.
RIP Bob.
Stewart G3RXQ
Sad news, he helped and encouraged me with many BERU expeditions , even recently when he came out of hospital, and was always a gentleman , and great op.
Mike G3VYI
A great man, always encouraging and enthusiastic. Going to miss him and the chats on 3727.
Jonathan GW2HFR
My sincere condolences to his family and friends. G3PJT is in my log 43 times going back to 1996. RIP Bob
Frank VO1HP