Hello--All:

First of all, with 2012 just around the corner, it's time to reflect on how I got started in ham radio some 30 + years ago. Actually, it goes back earlier to my Elmer, Bill Still, W2GJR/VE2 (SK- RIP). Bill was a friendly guy on my street back in Dollard des Ormeaux (DDO). He had a zillion antennas on his roof--yagis, loops, verticals, dishes, eggbeaters--and more.

He was a kindly man in the neighbourhood. He fixed people's radios,TVs, tape-recorders, and walkie-talkies for the Police and Firemen. He had movie night in his garage/driveway for all the kids nearby every other Friday in the summer--and it was FREE. All you had to do was show up with a lawnchair and enjoy. And of course, it didn't hurt to get there a little before 7/1900 for a good place to put your chair. He even supplied the popcorn.

From those beginnings, a friendship ensued and I became Bill's helper. He was divorced with no kids and had lots of errands and chores to do and he gave me a few bucks to help him out. One day, he needed some help cleaning up the basement. When we went downstairs, I saw that it was filled with radios. I mean, it was like being in an airplane cockpit--radios wall-to-wall. I was just 10 years old and was instantly fascinated with the lights and dials of his Collins, Drake and Hallicrafters rigs. Then, while I was cleaning the floor and emptying boxes, he turned on his minty Collins 51J4 and I heard my first sounds of cw. I was hooked after that and did as many odd jobs for Bill just to get a listen here and there of those melodic sounds of cw. After a few weeks, he saw that I was keenly interested in cw and began to teach me code and electronics. And of course, he gave me odd jobs to do-- but only after I listened to the 51J4 and read back to him what I copied from W1AW. I got better and better at my cw and made a few bucks here and there to get tools and supplies to make go-carts-- but none of this would have happened without him nurturing and cultivating my interest in cw and electronics. None of this would have happened without his patience, encouragement and support. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Bubkas.

As we get ready to toast the New Year 2012, I raise a glass to you, Bill, W2GJR/VE2 for inspiring me to study and get my ticket.

God bless all the Elmers out there! You may not realize how much of a difference you make in people's lives.

73, dx

Mike, 2xb

I do qsl dierct and thru the buro for V31xb, ve2xb/VY0, J79XB, VP2MXB, and recently active as FP/ve2xb. Just send a self addressed envelope with CDN stamps or 2 IRCs or 2 greenbacks. I am NOT qsl mgr for any other calls!!! Planning a trip to 8Q7 and 7Q7 soon. Thanks a lot/Merci bien/Taima/Gracias.

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