Title: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: K5UJ on September 24, 2011, 01:18:10 PM Many of you probably saw the email from Dave W6PSS reporting Bill's situation. For those who didn't, Bill is in hospice at Erie VA hospital. His XYL reports he may not come home. She asks for prayers and good thoughts for him. He is comfortable she says.
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: Todd, KA1KAQ on September 24, 2011, 01:41:18 PM Here's the actual email Rob is making reverence to, posted to the AMRadio list by Geoff, W5OMR:
From: sylviad To: W6PSS Sent: 9/24/2011 10:03:20 A.M. Central Daylight Time Subj: sad news Dear Dave, it's my sad job to tell you that Ashtabula Bill is not doing well. He entered Hospice care at Erie VA hospital yesterday. I took him in Tues and there was nothing they could do for him . I wanted to bring him home to care for him but they transferred him to the Hospice Unit there til that can be worked out. Will see the Dr Mon and see where we go from here but not sure if we will have the time to move him home. They are taking good care of him there. Thought you could get the word out to the Ham community and ask for prayers and good thoughts for him. He is comfortable the problem is his lungs just not getting enough O2 Luv Sylvia Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: W3GMS on September 24, 2011, 01:51:04 PM I am very sorry to hear about Astabula Bill, but at the same time I am not surprised to get that report. I worked him on 40 meter a month or so ago and he did not sound well. We had a great QSO as always and somehow I felt it would probably be the last time I would talk to him. I believe I did record the QSO.
Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Bill is a radio legend for sure! Joe, W3GMS Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: W2PFY on September 24, 2011, 02:38:57 PM Sorry to hear about Bill! I must have talked to him on 40 meters more than 50 times and also on 20 meters many times as well. I remember one round table with Doug the well driller up in Canada now a SK in a FB QSO. Bill has a brother John who I have not heard in many years but, I would often get in a round table with the brothers from time to time.
Sad day to hear this but it's waiting for all of us. He will be missed! Terry Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: Tom WA3KLR on September 24, 2011, 02:57:52 PM I'm sorry to hear this. Bill was a mainstay on 40 meters AM.
I've QSO'd with one of his younger brothers on 1885 AM many times, John KC8LII. John told me that there are 5 Dolvin brothers, 3 are hams. Besides John and Bill, the third is James K4OA of Florida. I never worked him. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: k4kyv on September 24, 2011, 04:37:16 PM Sorry to hear that. I have talked to Bill for many years, but never met him in person. Last time I talked with him was a few months ago, and he didn't sound well, but considering his age and the fact that he had recently undergone a very serious surgery, I thought he was probably doing better than expected. Most of us can only hope to make it as far as Bill has.
I remember, probably about 10 years ago, a rumour was circulating in the slopbucket community, and I overheard someone make a remark, "you mean Ashtabula Bill hasn't died yet?" I told Bill about it, and we both got a good chuckle. From then on, I would occasionally hear him say, "I haven't died yet". As I recall, Bill is a WWII vet. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: flintstone mop on September 24, 2011, 05:27:00 PM IF the hospice is any good they will help Bill through his journey.
I had to deal with my parents and the hospice thing. I was surprised on their timing of events. Fred..........I worked Bill many times on 40M. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: W7POW on September 24, 2011, 05:31:27 PM I talked with his wife on the phone yesterday. While she said she didnt think Bill would be coming home again, she sounded at peace and happy with the level of care Bill was receiving and the fact that Bill was comfortable.
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: Ed/KB1HYS on September 24, 2011, 05:46:33 PM So sad to hear this. Only worked him one time on 40 meters.
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: KX5JT on September 24, 2011, 07:06:02 PM Ed, like you I only got to work him once on 40 meters and once on 20 meters. I knew him by reputation from this site. It was an honor to work him and we should be grateful we had the opportunity. I had only worked Derb once and feel the same.
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: W3RSW on September 24, 2011, 08:55:26 PM "ain't no slopbuckets gonna get" Bill.
-my thoughts and prayers now ranging through the aether his way. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: Sam KS2AM on September 24, 2011, 09:59:09 PM (http://images0.cpcache.com/product/14419570v3_350x350_Front.jpg) Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: Steve - K4HX on September 24, 2011, 10:19:26 PM One of the Legends of AM.
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: The Slab Bacon on September 25, 2011, 12:28:15 AM Very sad, indeed! ! !
I have many fond memories of our late night (wee hours) QSOs. I can still hear him saying: "Just came down from 20 meters, we had a big group up there" He would hang out with me and Gary (AA3WH) for a while and slide down the band and rag chew with his brother John. What a charactor! ! Truely a gentleman and one who will be missed. One of the true legends of the AM community! ! Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: Jeff W9GY on September 25, 2011, 07:21:25 AM Bill is in my thoughts and prayers.
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: WA3VJB on September 25, 2011, 07:24:34 AM Very sad, indeed! ! ! I have many fond memories of our late night (wee hours) QSOs. I can still hear him saying: "Just came down from 20 meters, we had a big group up there" He would hang out with me and Gary (AA3WH) for a while and slide down the band and rag chew with his brother John. Same deal on 40, as many here can testify. He would be the ringleader of a bunch of stations concentrated in the western Penna.& Ohio area on 40m daytime. When I was working a night shift it was great to come home and hear this large group in there, with him being head-and-shoulders above most of them for signal (and talk time). I was in his area, just west of him at Mentor, seeing somebody about 20 years ago, and had called him a couple times trying to meet up at his place or maybe Headlands State Park on Lake Erie, but it just didn't happen. My loss, for sure. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: Tom WA3KLR on September 25, 2011, 08:32:58 AM I looked through my AM'ers photo folder and came up with a couple W8VYZ photos.
One is a real nice photo of him in his shack. The other photo shows off the W8VYZ t-shirt. Bill always put out a big signal. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: N2udf on September 25, 2011, 08:56:02 AM Bill was an electrician in his younger years ,as I was so we gotalong well.Godspeed Bill......Lee
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: Opcom on September 25, 2011, 12:38:16 PM His shack is something to be admired.
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: WD5JKO on September 25, 2011, 06:44:06 PM There is a 19 minute 1988 movie about Bill at his QTH taken by Rick K8MLV (SK) and Dave WSPSS . Shows Bill back then (he was old then), his XYL, and the dungeon of a ham shack. Worth the trip: At AMFOREVER, members only though.. Portal » Board index ‹ MEDIA FORUM ‹ VIDEO ‹ AMATEUR COLLECTION < W8VYZ - A Visit To (1988) Jim WD5JKO Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: K5UJ on September 25, 2011, 11:26:26 PM His shack is something to be admired. Indeed, and it looks like he operated a BC348. I had one years ago during my loose affilation with Army MARS but I didn't know enough at the time as to how to put it to good use. Shacks like Bill's are to me the most interesting and look like real radio. These tidy shacks with little black boxes and hardly a wire in sight or the peculiar mania for console panel cutouts making only front panels visible--booooring. Another thing if the photo Tom put up is anything to go by, it seems Bill did not get hung up on how his gear looked. I can identify with that. I only worked Bill once and briefly but my thoughts and prayers are with him. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: The Slab Bacon on September 26, 2011, 08:09:19 AM Bill loved his BC-348 and his "Outboard Slicer"
He will be severely missed when the time comes. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: WA3VJB on September 26, 2011, 08:46:46 AM There is a 19 minute 1988 movie about Bill at his QTH taken by Rick K8MLV (SK) and Dave WSPSS . Shows Bill back then (he was old then), his XYL, and the dungeon of a ham shack. Jim WD5JKO Jim I was wondering if that's his XYL in the movie modeling the T-shirt ... Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: WD5JKO on September 26, 2011, 10:59:06 AM Jim I was wondering if that's his XYL in the movie modeling the T-shirt ... Paul, I don't think so, but maybe Bill's secret to longevity is in marrying a younger women. So your a member over there..watch the move, and you decide! Jim JKO Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: k4kyv on September 26, 2011, 11:54:43 AM Loved the video, and successfully downloaded a copy. An AM classic if ever there was one. That's the first and only picture of Rick, K8MLV (SK) I have seen. I talked with Rick on the air many, many times but, as with Bill, I never met him in person either. His death was tragic, but that's a whole other story. Dave is still on the air, now from Kansas City, close enough that I can usually hear him on 75 without any problem.
After Rick left 8-land, his signal was piss weak whenever I worked him from my station in Houston or from here, but he always said he would get the Johnson KW on the air "in the near future". That near future never came. I understand he lived in a tiny mobile home in a trailer park and had limited antenna space, RFI issues, etc, which may explain why he never got round to firing up the KW. Rick was famous for his "I hate slopbuckets" tee-shirts. I still have mine. I recall Bill telling me once of his plan to attend a hamfest somewhere in northern Ohio, wearing that tee-shirt under his jacket, and "flashing" certain people with it at the hamfest. ;D Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: Pete, WA2CWA on September 26, 2011, 05:31:19 PM Loved the video, and successfully downloaded a copy. An AM classic if ever there was one. That's the first and only picture of Rick, K8MLV (SK) I have seen. I talked with Rick on the air many, many times but, as with Bill, I never met him in person either. His death was tragic, but that's a whole other story. Dave is still on the air, now from Kansas City, close enough that I can usually hear him on 75 without any problem. After Rick left 8-land, his signal was piss weak whenever I worked him from my station in Houston or from here, but he always said he would get the Johnson KW on the air "in the near future". That near future never came. I understand he lived in a tiny mobile home in a trailer park and had limited antenna space, RFI issues, etc, which may explain why he never got round to firing up the KW. Rick was famous for his "I hate slopbuckets" tee-shirts. I still have mine. I recall Bill telling me once of his plan to attend a hamfest somewhere in northern Ohio, wearing that tee-shirt under his jacket, and "flashing" certain people with it at the hamfest. ;D According to the Electric Radio Index: Photograph(s) of K8MLV: July 93, page 24 Aug. 2000, page 3 Jan. 2001, page 32, 33 Feb. 2001, page 16 I think might have been on the E.R. cover too. Title: More on Ashtabula Bill Post by: W1RC on September 26, 2011, 10:16:37 PM I'm not quite sure why the other thread on Bill thread was locked down but here is some new and relevant information that was forwarded to me by Ed, VA3ES:
From: wb3fau@att.net Sent: September 26, 2011 7:36 PM To: boatanchors@theporch.com Subject: [BoatAnchors] status of Ashtabula Bill- W8VYZ To those of you who know him, Bill was admitted to the VA hospital in Erie, PA, over the weekend. He is having difficulty breathing and eating, as his esophagus is damaged. I visited with him on Sunday. Operating is not an option as he is too weak. They are not sure how long he will survive. He was sent home today, as he did not wish to stay in the hospital. I talked to his wife, she said to please send get well cards to him. Bill has been an inspiration and help to many hams over the years. His address is 3092 Plymouth Ridge Rd. Ashtabula, OH. 44004. 73, MrMike, W1RC Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: Pete, WA2CWA on September 26, 2011, 11:22:02 PM Sorry folks. My fault. I had accidentally locked the thread. Too many windows open at the same time when I was posting a response to Don.
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: W1DAN on September 27, 2011, 02:27:41 PM Folks:
This is very sad news. I will miss hearing Bill on the air. Dan Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: WA4JK on September 27, 2011, 05:04:18 PM Just received an email that Bill is SK.. Talked to him many times on 14286 over the years.. Another of the pillers of the old AM community has move on to his reward. 73's Bill
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: Les Locklear on September 27, 2011, 05:48:16 PM Just received an email that Bill is SK.. Talked to him many times on 14286 over the years.. Another of the pillers of the old AM community has move on to his reward. 73's Bill Another legend goes away. I've heard him on the air so many times, but other than the pictures in ER Magazine, I never saw pictures of his shack. I just finished watching the video that was posted above. Man, a BC-348 with an outboard Q5'er..............He was definitely a dedicated AM'er. My condolences to his family and may his soul rest in peace. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: fg5fc on September 27, 2011, 06:31:25 PM I am very sad to learn that Bill is SK, we have made many QSO on 14286, I loved Bill, which was very kind .... My sincere condolences to his family
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) Post by: steve_qix on September 27, 2011, 07:00:59 PM He was definitely one of the mainstays. Peace, Bill
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: flintstone mop on September 27, 2011, 07:49:57 PM I am very sorry to read this......That was a fast exit geeesh. I thought there night be a few months left.
Fred Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: KA2DZT on September 27, 2011, 07:54:35 PM I worked Bill a few times either on 40M or 75M, can't remember. Listen to him many times.
Sorry to hear of his passing, he'll be missed. 73's and RIP Bill Fred KA2DZT Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: W2PFY on September 27, 2011, 08:00:05 PM I think I heard him earlier this year and I probably talked with him last year. His wish was to come home where apparently passed away.
If seemed like he just faded away and that is not a bad way to go. RIP Bill. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: W1AEX on September 27, 2011, 08:00:56 PM Very sorry to hear that Bill has passed on. I enjoyed many chats with him on the top end of 40 meters. He was always a good man to pass some time with on the air.
R.I.P. Bill... Rob W1AEX Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: W3GMS on September 27, 2011, 08:04:02 PM I have watched to many good friends die to slowly. When its time, its time and I am glad the magic carpet ride took him away quickly. Thoughts go out to all of his friends and family as they mourn his passing. It was obvious that he enjoyed life and lived it fully.
I will get a sympathy card and send it to his family. I sure will miss all those great QSO's I had with Bill on 40 meters. Those great memories will be with me. He to me was a great OT'er right along with George, W1GAC (sk). Another Ham that is very ill is Dee, W4PNT. Dee was best know to many AM'ers for all the Johnson cabinet paint and silkscreen work he had done. Please keep Dee in your thoughts. Joe, W3GMS Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: Ed/KB1HYS on September 27, 2011, 08:05:16 PM Such sad news. It seems that so many good men have gone, and who is there to take their place?
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: W8EJO on September 27, 2011, 08:08:16 PM Talked to him many times on 7290.
He was a fellow Lake Erie fisherman. RIP Bill. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: K1JJ on September 27, 2011, 08:23:43 PM Astabula Bill was an AM classic.
I'll always remember, "WWWWWWWWWW ba ya - 8- V-Y- Z " Rest in peace, Bill. T Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: W9AD on September 27, 2011, 08:41:56 PM So many enjoyable qso's with him. One a kind, he will be missed by so many of us. My sincere condolences to his wife Sylvia, his ham brothers John & Jim and the rest of the family.
Dave W9AD Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: Opcom on September 27, 2011, 08:59:28 PM After downloading the video and watching it, I'm even more impressed with Bill. I wish I'd had a chance to just spend an afternoon there talking with him. Got to love his open construction of everything in there. Pole pig in the open, variac on the floor. Bet he had no rats in that cellar. The quality is very good, was it Betamax or maybe Umatic?
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: N5DWV on September 27, 2011, 09:21:28 PM To my elmer and long time friend....we spend a many of hours in the basement working on stuff !
I will miss our pipeline on 20 meters ! While in heaven, keep the slop buckets in check ! 73's de Tim N5DWV Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: N7BDY on September 28, 2011, 03:47:15 AM R.I.P. Bill , you were , and are , a true legend of amatuer radio .
N7BDY Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: N2udf on September 28, 2011, 08:13:19 AM Such a great loss.He has gone to that "Big Bomber" in the sky where the radio is tuned to 7290.He will be missed.....Lee
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: W3FJJ on September 28, 2011, 08:27:05 AM Many found Memories SWLing Bill on my Transoceanic, as teenager, back in early 70's.
He was influencial in my getting a ham ticket, and getting on AM.. He was running his rhombic back then and it was true "not a slop bucket in north america could bother him" RIP Bill, and condolences to his family.. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: K5UJ on September 28, 2011, 08:50:40 AM I wondered what he used for an antenna. Very sad news.
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: The Slab Bacon on September 28, 2011, 08:55:49 AM Very sad news, indeed!
It breaks your heart that you will never be able to QSO with him again. Bill, keep that "outboard slicer" warmed up, and dont forget to take your Bugler machine with you. A terrible loss to the AM community. God Bless and Godspeed Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: W7POW on September 28, 2011, 10:17:36 AM R.I.P. Ashtabula Bill.
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: k7yoo on September 28, 2011, 11:15:10 AM Back in the "old days", of the early 80's, which seems like just yesterday, Bill was one of the first AMers that I became acquainted with. I was always impressed by his ability to make the most out of the least. This was always my favorite part of AM, before the obsession with "whats your serial number" and multiple elite stations became the norm. During that cycle 40M was where AM was the busiest, at least on the left coast. We talked about fishing on Lake Erie and other non-radio subjects, as well as the famous BC 348's! I made a point of firing up on 7295 last night and giving him a call. I listened for a long time before firing up on the empty frequency, and sure enough a slop-bucketeer came on to tell me he was waiting for a net! I resisted the urge to "read him the T shirt" and let him know that I was calling W8VYZ and amazingly he went away!!
RIP Bill. Skip Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: Jim KF2SY on September 28, 2011, 12:07:36 PM Many of us have some fond memories of working Ashtabula Bill. I think the ultimate tribute someday could be some sort of annual 40M AM rally in his memory. RIP Bill. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: Jeff W9GY on September 28, 2011, 12:24:15 PM I sure remember our QSO's and also listening to you while "reading the mail". RIP Ashtabula Bill.
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: Todd, KA1KAQ on September 28, 2011, 12:52:55 PM You really nailed it, Skip. He was a radio man, not out to impress with his collection nor out do anyone with his list of accomplishments. Just a true, salt-of-the-earth type. With a big signal.
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have enjoyed numerous contacts with him over 2+ decades. Topics from his training as a B-24 pilot to the BC-348 to the differences between his cigarette rolling machine and the one his wife used. It was always interesting, never dull or predictable. When you talked with Bill, you were talking with history. A couple of later QSOs stick with me. One was after he'd been to the hospital not long before, and he was discussing going outside later that day to plow snow with the 'big' tractor. He was well into his 80s then. Another was listening in while he talked with a NH AMer and described a hornet trying to "bite" him. With mic open, he rummaged around for a knife and did the hornet in, stating "he tried to bite me but I cut him in two". He then mentioned hoping the grass would dry out back so he could go out and do some shooting later that afternoon. This was 2007-2008 timeframe. Bill touched a lot of lives across North America through AM on the amateur bands. One of the few true legends in our ranks, whose character and signal will be deeply missed. Fortunately we have a few photos and sound files to help keep his memory with us. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: W2PFY on September 28, 2011, 01:06:56 PM I remember one time when someone gave him a new microphone to use. It sounded like ten years have been shaved off his voice. He returned it to whom ever and went back to the gruffy familiar sound
This is Doubleuuuuu 8 Victor why zed sound we all know so well ;D ;D Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: W1AEX on September 28, 2011, 01:25:16 PM I happened to hear Bill and Guy - WA4WRZ on 7290 last June 20th. They were struggling to hear each other as the band started to go long, but both of them were quite strong at my location. I grabbed about 5 minutes at the end of their conversation as they battled static from an imminent thunderstorm and changing propagation. There's the usual persistent slopbucket crud within the passband, but they were both crushing it nicely. You can even hear a few random words of what is probably the Texas Traffic Net on the same frequency conducting its "important business" at the very end of the recording as the band went long. It's just a nice example of two gentlemen having a chat on the 40 meter band.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mB8jKUXfLc Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: W2PFY on September 28, 2011, 01:54:46 PM Here are three audio clips. One from 1995 another from 1996 and one is not dated but it must be more recent.
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: KL7OF on September 28, 2011, 02:23:48 PM It is a privilege to be in "the card file"......RIP
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: W3GMS on September 28, 2011, 02:39:04 PM Here are three audio clips. One from 1995 another from 1996 and one is not dated but it must be more recent. Thanks Terry for positing the audio clips. They are some good ones and certainly catch Bill at his best! Bill had that unique personality, the rig and that fantastic signal. A tough combination to beat. Joe, W3GMS Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: KC4ALF on September 28, 2011, 02:41:31 PM Although I heard him many times I never had the pleasure of working him.
R.I.P. OM. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: WA3VJB on September 28, 2011, 05:42:09 PM http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mB8jKUXfLc Rob here's the "W" in W8VYZ, captured at that very instant. Glad we've got this, the ones from Terry, and I'm sure, many others to remember him by. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: Tom WA3KLR on September 28, 2011, 08:17:44 PM Attached are 6 photos taken at Bill's QTH when the AM Buffalo group visited him in conjunction with the Dayton Hamvention 2000, courtesy of Bruce W1UJR. Some of you may have seem these pictures before. The pictures were taken on May 21, 2000.
One ham is N2QLS I believe. I'm sorry but I can't identify the guys. One picture shows 3 link-coupled tuners and one is the back of a big transmitter. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: Tom WA3KLR on September 28, 2011, 08:19:22 PM Final 3. I wonder where Bill stored the cheese and crackers?
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: Tom WA3KLR on September 28, 2011, 08:31:40 PM Ok, 7 photos.
This is the old buzzard sign: Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: W1GUD on September 29, 2011, 09:35:30 AM RIP W8VYZ... The one and only!
73, Warren W1GUD Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: WD8BIL on September 29, 2011, 11:17:52 AM The Star Beacon; Ashtabula, Ohio
September 29, 2011 William C. Dolvin Star Beacon — SHEFFIELD TOWNSHIP — William Charles Dolvin, age 86, of Sheffield Township, died Tuesday, Sept. 27 at the V.A. Medical Center in Erie Pa. He was born April 18, 1925, in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Charles and Gladys (Miller) Dolvin. William was a Veteran of the United States Army Air Corp, serving in WWII as a co-pilot in B-24 Liberator Plane. On Feb. 4, 1956, he married the former Sylvia Hain in Hamilton, Ontario. Mr. Dolvin was employed at True Temper and was a 50 year member of I.B.E.W. electricians union. He enjoyed fishing, hunting and was a member of the NRA. He was known all over the world as a HAM radio operator, call letters W8VYZ. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Sylvia Dolvin of Sheffield Township; daughters, Laura Sargent of Monroe Township and Marion (Frank) Houghton of Perry; son, Daniel (Amy) Dolvin of Ashtabula; grandchildren, James (Sara) Sargent, Mike (Katilin) Guzzo, Justin Dolvin, Maura Snyder and grandson-in-law, Steve Snyder; great-grandchildren, Katie and Ryan Sargent, Tristin and Kyra Snyder and Adelaide Kercher; brothers, James Dolvin of Odessa, Fla., John (Hessina) Dolvin of Hubbard, Ohio and Kurt Dolvin of Australia. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Glenn Dolvin. Funeral Services will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 1st, at Gageville United Methodist Church, with Pastor David Blood officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by American Legion Honor Guard Team Post 103. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of Service, Saturday, at the Church. GUERRIERO FUNERAL HOME, 6280 S. Main St., North Kingsville is handling funeral arrangements. Obituary and condolences at starbeacon.com. I just noticed Bill lived in Sheffield Township. That just happens to be the name of the township I live in here in Lorain County. It will be a memerable coincidence. Rest easy old friend! Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: W8VG on September 29, 2011, 11:40:55 AM I just tuned in and was so sorry to hear about Bill. Had many QSO's with him over the years enjoying his pointers on subjects as varied as growing cucumbers and tomatoes, killing bugs, military radios, homebrewing......you name it. My neighbor in VA was complaining about his tomatoes being all vine and no fruit. Bill said to tell him to back off on the nitrogen fertilizer in the yard--which helped. Bill used to look me up in the infamous card file and remind me that he'd worked me on four bands (160-20) and from three places: Stafford VA, Los Angeles CA and San Pedro CA. I'd always have to remind him that the LA qth was on an IC-706 PW tooling down the Harbor freeway on the way home from work. Around dusk, he'd come banging into LA -- 20 to 30 over on 14.286.
He will be truely missed--7290 won't be the same without him. Geo, W8VG/6 Rancho Palos Verdes, CA Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: k4kyv on September 29, 2011, 11:48:49 AM I can't think of anything to add that hasn't already been said, but though this was not unexpected, he will be sorely missed. Another pillar of the AM community is gone.
And another WWII vet bites the dust. So long, and R.I.P. old friend. Don k4kyv Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: Bill, KD0HG on September 29, 2011, 12:52:30 PM There is something immortal about us hams. Once past the ionosphere, our voices, thoughts and QSOs live on forever at the speed of light.
Adios, Bill. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: The Slab Bacon on September 29, 2011, 01:14:21 PM This has been a terrible year for AMers. We have lost many good friends and some of the upstanding pillars of the community. As we all get older, this becomes just an all too frequent occurence, and it absolutely SUCKS! After facing the possibility of my own demise and also losing many good friends (some outside the radio community) I am finding it just about impossible to say "good bye" or "farewell" anymore. As their memory and a part of their soul lives on in those of us that still survive. It is up to all of us to keep their memory alive.
With that said, and "good bye" disapearing from my vocabulary. From my heart, the only thing that I am comfortable with is to wish them "Godspeed" Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: Sam KS2AM on September 29, 2011, 01:46:34 PM The Star Beacon; Ashtabula, Ohio September 29, 2011 William C. Dolvin He was born April 18, 1925, in Youngstown, Ohio, the son of Charles and Gladys (Miller) Dolvin. William was a Veteran of the United States Army Air Corp, serving in WWII as a co-pilot in B-24 Liberator Plane. On Feb. 4, 1956, he married the former Sylvia Hain in Hamilton, Ontario. I think that my first contact with Bill was once when I was mobile in Hamilton, Ontario. He made note of that in his card file and would bring it up in subsequent conversations. His wife Sylvia was from Hamilton, Ontario and they were married there 1956 ... the same year that I was born in Hamilton so theres another connection there. During one contact we had on 40 meters, a Voice of America broadcast started up during one of my transmissions and Bill announced "You're strapping the VOA!". I was running a piss-weak 40 watts so I though that was pretty funny and I'll always remember that contact. Everytime I heard Bill on the air it never failed to bring a smile to my face. 73 Bill. A nice shot of Bill from his obituary: (http://starbeacon.com/archive/x673416760/g0a0000000000000000cb9db994781122257980ba679a2d6618e4e362fa.jpg) Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: Steve W8TOW on September 29, 2011, 03:47:49 PM Bill W8VYZ, was my first AM QSO in 1976. Discussed with SSB one year after getting my
General ticket, I found a Viking I at the Logansport, Indiana swap. My dad, also 85 years old but not a SK yet, served in Korea, 1951 as a tank commander. My pop remembered R-388's in the "shack" on the base he was at while serving and found a great 51J-2/R-388 for me to couple with the Viking I. Once I managed to get the station set up but was disappointed to find all the 75M AM guys were on 3885 kc...out of the band plan for me as a General in those days. After looking at a CQ magazine article, "No Harry, AM isn't Dead", I read there was activity on 7290 kc!. The next weekend, I tuned up there and got my first AM contact. W8VYZ and K3HTK (hot tea kettle) were in QSO...I joined them and even though I was a only 16 or 17 years, they welcomed me with open arms. What a great friend....years later, I finally got on 160m. My first 160m QSO...W8VYZ... vri 73 my friend SK. Steve w8tow Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: W3RSW on September 29, 2011, 05:40:50 PM Sad news indeed.
My sincerest condolences to Sylvia and all of Bill's family. I'll miss his melodious, ringing voice. I'll also ressurect the BC348Q that John sold me. -polish it up, clean up the switch contacts again and..... just listen. ...yes, just listen. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: W9GT on September 29, 2011, 10:04:23 PM Bill was truly an icon and a mainstay of the AM community. I have enjoyed many QSOs with him over the years. He was most certainly the king of 7290! He always had a great signal and it was a lot of fun to talk with him. He sure will be missed. Rest in Peace old friend.
73, Jack, W9GT Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: W3FJJ on September 30, 2011, 07:06:01 AM A Found Memory of Bill was, after I built a one tube
regen receiver on a breadboard for the first time,, designed for 40 meter band, I hooked up power supply and an audio amp, turned it on. Wham guess first thing I heard? "Double You Eight Victor Yoke Zebra" Wow incredible signal, full blast. Of course, I didn't even need a tube, could of got him on cat whisker with that big sig... Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: w3jn on September 30, 2011, 03:32:43 PM Bill's daughter sent me an email asking for the audio here of W8VYZ so they can play it at the funeral.
Thanks to all who have posted W8VYZ clips. If you have any more, please send them to admin at amfone.net and I'll forward on to the family. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: WA3VJB on September 30, 2011, 06:28:28 PM Bill's daughter (or son?) sent me an email asking for the audio here of W8VYZ so they can play it at the funeral. Thanks to all who have posted W8VYZ clips. If you have any more, please send them to admin@amfone.net and I'll forward on to the family. Nice effort, John, and those who've already posted sound files. I wish there were time before tomorrow's funeral to root around the archives for more that I know I have as well. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: w4bfs on October 01, 2011, 08:44:53 AM talked to Bill several times on 7290 .... big signal here .... I believe he had a phased array and noticed that his signal decreased about 10 db after an ice storm took it down in 2009, as I remember ....he was still loud here .... thanks for your service to our country and I hope you find my dad KA4UVR (sk) who was also a B24 pilot during ww2 ... very 73 ...John Wb4bfs
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: k4kyv on October 01, 2011, 11:53:08 AM At one time Bill had a windmill on top of one of his towers, which he said generated a substantial amount of electricity. He may have had it tied in with the electric power grid, so that it pushed the meter backwards when it was supplying more power than he was consuming. I vaguely recall a story that he had an ongoing feud with the power company over that issue. His wife might be able to fill in the details, something it sounds like she might be glad to do.
I'm not sure if the ice storm took it down, the generator crapped out, or if he simply had it taken down because he was becoming physically too frail to climb the tower to maintain it, but he discontinued using it probably 10 years ago. Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: KB2WIG on October 02, 2011, 06:04:48 PM Posted on AmRadio by w5omr
" Forwarded from W6PSS.. This has got to be a first! Below just in from W8VYZ's XYL Sylvia. From: sylviad@windstrea... To: W6PSS@ao... Sent: 10/1/2011 10:01:01 P.M. Central Daylight Time Subj: W8VYZ into the Wild Blue Yonder It's late and the end of a long day, but have to take the time to tell you that Bill's last send off was great! His ashes rest inside 2 833's mounted on a transmitter tuning unit. He would love it! He had full military honors and his grandson showed a video of the song with old Army Air Corps words of Wild Blue Yonder with pics of thundering planes bombs etc etc. A nice turnout with lots of remembering quite a few hams and lots of family. I think we did him proud. Have pics for you to see when have more time to send them Rapidly running out of steam so heading for bed Luv Sylvia - - - - - We await these photo's with great expectations. The two jugs were a stroke of genius! Thanks Sylvia! " Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: W1GFH on October 02, 2011, 09:03:06 PM I had the pleasure of chatting with him on 20 meters many times in the 1990s and early 2000s, he was a true gentleman and I will always treasure his QSL card. RIP Bill.
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: w3jn on October 02, 2011, 11:12:14 PM I just received this nice note from Bill's daughter Marion, regarding the audio clips. Sounds like one hell of a funeral!
Quote Hi John, Thanks a lot John; I did get it figured out and got a cd together to play at his funeral. I got a lot of his favorite songs together like "Cigarettes and Whiskey and Wild Wild Women", "Rye Whiskey", Beer Barrel Polka, etc and have some snippets of his famous slop bucket quotes after every few songs that I got from your website. We had the funeral at the church and the songs really stood out if you know what I mean - but they were right for him. A lot of my memories of him were listening to those songs, drinking beer, and his voice on the air drowning out the radio or tv that my sister and I would be trying to listen to! I am his 2nd daughter and I am really happy to be able to read all the wonderful memories that are on your website. It has helped all of us and wanted to thank you. Please let everyone know. W8BYZ has signed off but he's still standing by. Regards, Marion Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: WA3VJB on October 03, 2011, 04:40:39 AM Quote has signed off but he's still standing by Nice line ! And I'm sure she's right. And the daughter too ! Quote His ashes rest inside 2 833's mounted on a transmitter tuning unit. He would love it! Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: W1RC on October 03, 2011, 06:17:27 AM Sure is sad reading about the loss of an AM mainstay. He's the last of his class. They sure don't make 'em like that any more. Aren't many WW-II vets left, sadly enough.
The guys who were born in the 1940s are the "Old Buzzards" now. And we're no way even close to guys like Bill. Never will be. 73, MrMike Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: Steve - K4HX on October 03, 2011, 01:31:20 PM Awesome. Good to see those recordigs were well used.
I consider myself fortunate to have talked to Bill on 160, 75, 40 and 10 meters over the years. He will be greatly missed. I just received this nice note from Bill's daughter Marion, regarding the audio clips. Sounds like one hell of a funeral! Quote Hi John, Thanks a lot John; I did get it figured out and got a cd together to play at his funeral. I got a lot of his favorite songs together like "Cigarettes and Whiskey and Wild Wild Women", "Rye Whiskey", Beer Barrel Polka, etc and have some snippets of his famous slop bucket quotes after every few songs that I got from your website. We had the funeral at the church and the songs really stood out if you know what I mean - but they were right for him. A lot of my memories of him were listening to those songs, drinking beer, and his voice on the air drowning out the radio or tv that my sister and I would be trying to listen to! I am his 2nd daughter and I am really happy to be able to read all the wonderful memories that are on your website. It has helped all of us and wanted to thank you. Please let everyone know. W8BYZ has signed off but he's still standing by. Regards, Marion Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: WA1GFZ on October 03, 2011, 04:54:10 PM Bill was a good guy!
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: W2NBC on October 03, 2011, 05:19:53 PM Having listened to Bill at the whipper snapper age of 11 on my Drake 2C thundering through the air it was an iconic moment making a contact with him on 75.. I actually got nervous when he responded to my call.. What a great QSO! He was amused by the fact that he was one of the driving forces that hooked me (and many others) to AM.. He was always steady, genuine, and an inspirational mentor to most of us..
Hoist an 833.. Salute! and RIP Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: N0WVA on October 03, 2011, 08:41:52 PM Best way to honor Bill is to build and get on the air!
Title: Re: Astabula Bill (W8VYZ) SK Post by: K2PG on October 04, 2011, 04:43:45 PM Bill's signal was unmistakable. I used to work him on 160 and 40. He often had the strongest signal on both of those bands and his voice was also distinctive...it reminded me of the guy who used to do the Pepperidge Farm commercials on the radio, particularly on WNEW 1130 in New York..."Pepperidge Farm...remembers!" AMfone - Dedicated to Amplitude Modulation on the Amateur Radio Bands
I am so sorry to read of his passing and I will miss that signal on the bands. Phil K2PG |