Ham Radio Forum

hamradio · Site Admin Joined: 03 May 2005 Posts: 46

Thursday June 9th, 2005

Very sadly Peter died yesterday of cancer. Without his help Ham Radio Deluxe would never have been what it is today. I know he was very proud of what he accomplished.

He defied the doctors and lived three years longer than expected. His involvement here kept his spirits up and gave him a sense of purpose.

Peter Halpin – Funeral Eulogy 14/6/2005
by Dick Pascoe

Peter Halpin was born in Battersea, London in 1950. As a child he traveled a lot with his family to places such as Nigeria and Ireland and he also moved around the UK quite often too.

In 1967 Pete left school and joined the Royal Air Force where he served for 9 years as an aircraft technician. He then left the service to take up work in heavy vehicle engineering while living in Holland. In 1980 he was involved in an accident whilst riding a motorcycle where he lost most of his right leg.

His accident led to a long period of convalescence where he rekindled his interest in Ham Radio an interest that we shared. It was during this time that he met and later married Jeanette eventually moving to Hengelo.

Peter had always regarded the missing leg as more of a nuisance than a disaster I remember him coming to visit us in England where we saw his car arrive but we had to wait while he fitted his new leg BEFORE we could say hello. He walked up to the house with just a walking stick – a HUGE grin on his face.

Peter never spoke much about his family but one day I received a phone call from him explaining that he had recently discovered family he didn’t know existed.

Many hours were spent on the phone over several weeks as we discussed how he would approach this new exciting time in his life. He reported back often about how nice they all were.

Radio Hams are thought to shut themselves away in small rooms, never talking to anyone. No-one believes that we actually do talk, and all over the world too.

I would like to read a few comments from Radio Hams that knew and respected Pete from all over the world…..
· From the UK There aren't enough people like Peter in the world. He will be sadly missed.

· I will remember his sense of humour. We both loved Terry Pratchett and Peter great memory of the various plots often had me laughing all over again at something I had forgotten.

· A wonderful man and a true example of what is wonderful about the comradeship of the radio fraternity. If there is a heaven, he will be there, melting solder, writing software and having a good time

· I wanted to be with you today but cannot; I'm sure Pete would say - "hey listen you daft sod - don't make a special trip on my account!"

· From the USA: We will all miss him - especially his wit!! - His like were few and far between, he shall be missed. and With fond memories from his friends in Texas.

· From Spain: Pete was special;

· From Switzerland: Pete was always there if we need some help. He has gone to a far better place

· From Italy; We will remember him

· From Denmark: Rest in Peace Pete

· From Canada: Thanks from everyone you have touched in your time. You will be missed!

· From France: Peter's help and humour will be missed.

Peter and I shared many interests – Ham radio, computers and of course travel. Peter and also I shared a love of motorcycles and each time he came to visit he just had to admire my latest one.

He and Jeanette love Scotland and took every opportunity to holiday there. A recent trip was in 2003 where my wife and I shared a cottage with them for a week exploring the area and sharing the experience, better still sharing the local food and beer.

Although we had been close friends for about 20 years it took 19 of these before we realized that Jeanette and my wife shared the same birthday.
I believe that it is not Peter here in this casket; it is merely the shell he occupied whilst on earth. He continues to live in our memory and long may he be with us….. I bet now, wherever he is the sticks are gone and Pete is whole again enjoying himself once more.

To finish: How would I describe Peter in a few words?

We have said what a great guy he was but ….
I am sure you will recognize many of these other sides of Peter…..
· Pedantic,
· Overbearing,
· Critical; did you ever hear him say – no no no no no……..
But Pete was also loving, generous, humorous and fun to be with.
I shall miss him………….