Eric Neal, G8GP, 2 May 2013

Eric Neal, G8GP passed away on 2 May 2013 just a few weeks before his 101st birthday.

Eric was licensed in 1934 and was an avid constructor making his own equipment for all bands from 1.8 to 1296MHz. He was a superb CW operator who got great enjoyment from DXing, contesting with the Crystal Palace club and also from his membership of FOC. In later years he became interested in working through AMSAT and in VHF DXing. He particularly relished the challenges associated with making his own equipment for 23cm and this was an inspiration to me while I was struggling with similar issues. Towards the end of his life Eric moved to a care home where it was not possible to install amateur radio equipment but he maintained his interest via RadCom, talking about amateur radio to his visitors and making occasional visits to local clubs. His last amateur radio visit was to Cray Valley’s 2O12L Olympic station at Avery Hill in September 2012, where the DVD of the event shows him taking a keen interest in the proceedings, especially the CW QSOs.

Tribute by Colin Wooff, G3SPJ (friend)
Treasurer, Cray Valley Radio Society

Eric Neal, G8GP with his niece Maureen at 2O12L (photo: CVRS).

Category: Silent Keys