Web Updated;
15/05/2024
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Tribute to Mr. Ron Lindsay (SK) G3KTZ
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This page is a Eulogy to the late Mr. Ron Lindsay G3KTZ who I
owe my entrance into the Amateur Radio world by shear Rest in peace mate and I hope the DX is good where you are!
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Ron was born in 1936 a proud Glaswegian, at a young age he joined the Sea Cadets. When he was called to participate in National Service (Britain 1947 - 1963) the obvious choice was the Navy. Ron soon demonstrated an ability in electronics, diagnostics and repair so armed with a screw driver and enthusiasm Ron was placed aboard ship in the Radio Communications room. He learned Morse Code (CW) and soon became very proficient at a fast rate of copying and sending. Ron's interest in Radio and CW was born. After National service, Ron completed an apprenticeship as a carpenter (typically called a Joiner in Scotland). In the early 1960's Scotland was in a recession and seeking work Ron took the decision to move to Holloway on the outskirts of London (3 miles N. of Charing Cross Station) where a friend knew that work was being offered. It was through this same friend that an introduction was made to "Helen" whom Ron fell in love and married. Ron and Helen decided to start a new life and emigrate to Melbourne Australia, their first daughter being born in Australia. Soon Helen was pregnant with their youngest daughter and the family returned to England, settling in Bounds Green, Haringey. Helens Father owned a DIY / hardware shop and Ron soon erected a large Radio Antenna on the roof which soon became a land mark for Hams and local folk (no SAT NAV then!) |
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Ron was also a proud member of the "prestigious" First
Class CW Operators Club *(FOC), holding two memberships, Some images from Ron's involvement in the FOC, Ron was also elected as President at least twice according to the information available. |
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Ron visited friends in America and whilst there
attended the Dayton
Radio Rally. This was the largest radio rally Ron had ever experienced and being
impressed by Ron and I instantly got on and in the years that followed I used to visit Ron regularly and spend many hours with him, walking our dogs, chatting about radio stuff and generally discussing the universe. Ron taught me CW and due to his brilliant teaching I soon progressed from a straight key to an iambic paddle in a number of sessions, the paddle seemed so intuitive to me. Ron's method of CW teaching was to learn the characters at 20 wpm with big gaps and then close the gaps down to produce a good working speed, he advocated learning each letter as a phrase not by translating dots and dashes, which he always maintained would prevent progress later with speed.
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Ron was a man who had his eyes open to every possibility and would explore life events (even believing in some conspiracy theories). Ron enjoyed science fiction reading and one of his favourites was Isaac Asimov - Foundation and Empire, Ron was also a member of the RSGB for many years but ceased the subscription as he believed there were too many adverts in the pages and the the organisation was not doing enough to fight for the maintenance of the hobby. Ron took a keen interest in history, particularly Bletchley Park and the secret work of the "code breakers". Ron was an amazing man and leaves a huge hole in the lives of his two daughters and grandchildren, not forgetting myself and the close friends who met Ron and were endeared by his contagious smile, sense of humour and easy going nature. Below are my two favourite photos of Ron for the way I will always remember him at his desk, rattling the CW key and operating 30wpp+ and the second for his love of the outdoors and his dog Spirit. Ron's enthusiasm for radio has transferred to his eldest daughter Tanya who is currently (2024) studying for her UK Foundation License, we all wish her the very best and success in the hobby.
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Cameron Lindsay (1936-2019) G3KTZ |