Silent Key

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Hugh Hendry McLellan, 1948 – 2025

A long-time club member, Judge Hugh McLellan was an author of the original LCARC Constitution and By-Laws that enabled the club to incorporate. Most recently, he used a FLEX radio, mostly for listening on the HF bands.

Hugh was born on May 25, 1948 in Saint John and attended Rothesay Collegiate School and the University of New Brunswick. In 1969, he joined his father Hendry in the practice of law as McLellan & McLellan. Hugh enthusiastically continued to practice law in Saint John until 1986, when he was appointed as a Judge of the Court of Queen’s Bench of New Brunswick, Trial Division, in Woodstock. He returned to Saint John in 1994 and served as a judge until his retirement in 2023. He thoroughly enjoyed the variety of his work, presiding over cases in both official languages, and in every corner of the province.

Hugh was actively involved in many organizations including the Law Society of New Brunswick, the Saint John Law Society, and the Saint John Port Commission, and was one of the founders of the Church of St. John & St. Stephen Nursing Home. Prior to his appointment as a judge, he was also an active member in the military reserves in various roles including Commanding Officer of 722 Communication Squadron where he achieved the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel.

Hugh met his amazing bride Judy in the inaugural class of UNBSJ in 1964. They were married in 1969 and went on to have five children. A family man to his core, Hugh was a loving husband and father. He inspired a great interest amongst his children in outdoor activities including hiking, camping, skiing, windsurfing, and time at the family camp on Belleisle Bay. A favourite activity was the annual backcountry ski trip to Mt. Washington. With Judy, he led by example and inspired in his children and grandchildren a tremendous work ethic, determination and generosity. His weekly Sunday email with family updates, photos and positivity will be deeply missed.

In his later years, he continued to have an adventurous spirit and pursued many other interests including snowboarding, kayaking, cycling and ham radio. He enjoyed scuba diving in the Bay of Fundy and various tropical locations. A voracious reader, he excelled at family Trivial Pursuit and Scrabble games.

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Ian MacFarquhar, 1949 – 2025

Ian was President of LCARC 2005 & 2006. He participated in many club events over the years: Field Days, Flea markets, EMO exercises, Club hidden transmitter hunts (Fox Hunts), volunteered with several local schools for contacts with the International Space Station. Licensed at the early age of 15 years, an avid CW Operator, he held several call signs in Ontario before moving to New Brunswick in 1995.

He was involved on the National side of Amateur Radio being VP and acting President for Radio Amateurs of Canada, RAC’s representative on the ARISS (Amateur Radio International Space Station), and instrumental in organizing RAC’s Affiliated Clubs Liability Insurance Program. He was very involved with Distracted Driver Legislation and ultimately Amateur Radio received an exemption from the new legislation.

https://www.rac.ca/former-rac-vice-president-ian-macfarquhar-ve9im-sk

Born in Toronto, Ontario, June 30, 1949 to Jack and Dora (née Guttormsson) MacFarquhar. Ian is survived by his wife of 40 years, Carole (née Linton), son David, sister Meredith (Ed Thompson), and numerous long-time friends.

After growing up in Scarborough ON, Ian graduated from Queen’s University, in 1971 with a BSc (Electrical Engineering). He then began an impressive career focusing on broadband telecommunications (i.e. radio and television). After a five-year contract in Northern Ontario, he joined CUC Broadcasting in Scarborough, where he became VP, Engineering. He moved with his family to Saint John New Brunswick in 1985 to become VP of Engineering Technology at Fundy Cable where he oversaw the rewiring of the provincial cable TV service. Ian was well known in the telecommunications industry and in 1997 received the CCTA Galaxi Technical Award of Excellence. After leaving Fundy Cable, he established MCE Associates and accepted contracts all over the world before easing into retirement.

Always a tech guy, Ian got his amateur “ham” radio license at age 15, (becoming proficient in morse code). Ham radio remained a life-long passion and he devoted many hours to promoting the hobby through national associations and in local clubs. He was an enthusiastic DJ for the Queen’s radio station. Ian was also a “gear head”, following Formula One racing intently and owning many hobby cars. He also owned at various times two airplanes, a Grampian sail boat and assorted motor boats.

But Ian wore many other hats. He had an eclectic passion for music ranging from 60s rock ‘n’ roll to the classics, serving for many years on the board of Symphony New Brunswick. He had a passion for politics and was a life-long self-described “red tory”, working behind the scenes for both the provincial and federal Conservative parties. An arm-chair athlete, he resignedly suffered the misfortunes of the Toronto Blue Jays and Maple Leafs. Ian travelled widely with the family, exploring Canada and the U.S. and enjoying the UK, Europe, New Zealand and India.

Ian’s keen intellect was enhanced by Icelandic drive and a strong moral compass. He was hard working, reliable, and disciplined. Beyond that, he was a dedicated father and spouse, fiercely proud of David, and always supportive of Carole.

The family would like to thank the staff of 4B South, Stroke Rehabilitation Services and the NB Extra Mural Program, and also the amazing support of friends and family.

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It is with broken hearts the family of Shelley Marie James-Finn, wife of Robert J. Finn wishes to announce her passing on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at Bobby’s Hospice with her family by her side. Shelley was born in Saint John, N.B.
on September 1, 1965, to the late Samuel Douglas and Carolyn (Pitt) James.
Shelley was very proud to be an Amateur Radio Operator, holding the callsign, VE1PDZ. She was also a member of the Loyalist City Amateur Radio Club.
Shelley is survived by her beloved husband, Robert J. Finn, twin sons, Eric Finn and Robert Finn, one sister, Nancy Ann James, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Shelley is predeceased by her parents, S. Douglas and Carolyn James.

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Murray William Whipple 1929 – 2023
 

It is with gratitude for a long life well lived and with profound sadness we announce the passing of Murray William Whipple. Murray passed away peacefully in his sleep after a brief illness, Saturday, June 24th at Saint John Regional Hospital.

Murray was always interested in the radio, from his morse code days and onto the ham radio. The radio was his outlet to the world. Registered as VE9MW, which could also be seen on his car, he made many new friends who felt like they knew him even though many he never met in person. His silent key condolences were heartfelt across the region. Into his 90s, Murray continued to learn other technologies to communicate, even mastering how to Facetime on his iPad to his daughter and granddaughters daily.

Beginning at 9:00 am on Tuesday, June 27th, 2023, there will be a visitation at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row.

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Karen Mary LeBlanc   1958-2019
 
The death of Karen Mary LeBlanc, 60, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at the Sussex Health Center. She was born on June 16, 1958 in Minto, NB. Karen is survived by her fiancé, Paul Leger of Hampton, NB; her children, Chris (Melanie) McNamara of Moncton, NB, Jason (Tabatha) LeBlanc of Chipman, NB, Sarah (Aaron) McNamara of Moncton, NB and Adam (Heather) of Fort McMurray, AB; siblings, Paul (Debbie) Leblanc of Minto, NB, Weldon (Susan) LeBlanc of Kelowna, BC, Brian LeBlanc of Rothesay, NB and sister-in-law, Brenda Meyers LeBlanc of Fredericton, NB; grandchildren, Emily, Owen, Dawson, Abigail, Brendan, Madeline, Zoey, Alex, Alyssa, Jack and Jordan.
Predeceased by her parents, Earl and Reta LeBlanc of Chipman, NB; brother, Rene LeBlanc of Ontario and Paulette Clark of Chipman, NB.
A celebration of Karen’s life will take place on Thursday, March 28, 2019 from 2 à 4pm at the St. Francis Xavier Church Hall (114 Church Avenue, Sussex, NB). Family and friends are welcome to attend.
Arrangements are in the compassionate care of Chipman Funeral Home & Crematorium. (339-6612). Memories and condolences may be shared through www.chipmanfuneralhome.ca.

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Robert (Bob) Boudreau (1963-2022)

SAINT-EDOUARD-DE-KENT, NB – Robert Boudreau 59, of Saint-Edouard-de-Kent, passed away peacefully at Albert House in Moncton.  Born in Saint John, NB he was the son of the late Normand Boudreau and late Grace (Daigle) Boudreau.  Robert of was member of the Royal Canadian Legion, the men’s choir and CNIB.  He loved music and keeping in touch with his school friends.
Robert will be sadly missed by his three sisters, Anne-Marie Maillet (Jean-Marie) of Richibouctou-Village, Monica Bastarache (Ovila) of Saint-Edouard-de-Kent and Tina East (Attilla) of Calagary, AB; one brother, Jean-Guy Boudreau (Kathy) of Saint John; one brother-in-law, Marc Bell (Sheilagh) of Saint John; two step children; four step grandchildren; two step great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Linda Bell.
Visitation will be held at Thompson’s Funeral Home in Richibucto on
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 from noon until time of the service.  A celebration of Robert’s life will be held on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Thompson’s Funeral Home in Richibucto.  Interment will be held at the St. Antoine de Padoue Roman Catholic Cemetery in Richibouctou-Village.
The family wish to thank the wonderful extra mural team from Ste. Anne and the excellent staff at the Albert House in Moncton.
Arrangements are in the professional care of Thompson’s Funeral Home in Richibucto (523-4252).

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After a brief period of failing health, it is with broken hearts that the family of Frederick John Arthur (“Fred”) Boddington wish to announce his passing on April 6th, 2022 at Kennebec Manor. Born in Saint John, on January 29th, 1932, Fred was the son of the late Arthur Boddington and Clara (MacQuarrie) Boddington.
Fred began his working career with Trans Canada Airlines with stints in Yarmouth, NS and Goose-Bay NL. From there he went on to work many years in the field of electronics beginning with the Dry Dock and then on to Vaughan Electronics. Some would say, that there wasn’t a piece of electronics that he couldn’t fix. He also held the position of Chief Flying Instructor with Atlantic Flight Center for many years instructing on single engine aircraft. Dad loved flying (especially the many trips as co-pilot flying the NBTel plane with Captains George Kohout, Charlie Barton & Dave Morrow), talking to individuals around the world on ham radio (VE1MW), fishing on the hottest days of summer, always at high noon and hunting, where he found himself many times in the thickest part of the forest where no deer in its right mind would walk. Fred was introduced to his wife Dorothy on a blind date and they married in 1960. He enjoyed the many summers he got to spend on the Washademoak with his family and grandchildren, as they were growing up, and in his later year’s he enjoyed putting together many 1000 piece puzzles.
Fred will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Dorothy (Mitchell) Boddington, son John Boddington (Pamela) of Willow Grove, two daughters, Glenna Boddington (Ken Golding) and Lorna McLellan (Rob), both of Saint John; grandchildren, Carly (Cole), Jessica (Megan), Hayley (Brandon), Noah, Mitchell, and Mikaela; one sister, Mary Kegley Bucklen of Wytheville, VA, sister-in-law Pat Mitchell, brother-in-law Gordon Mitchell (Mary) and several nieces and nephews.
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It is with very heavy hearts that the family of Delbert St. Clair Mason, loving husband of Anne (Bernier) Mason, announce his passing at home surrounded by his family in Saint John, NB. Delly, as known by his family and friends, was born on January 20, 1941 in Saint John, NB. He was the son of the late Harry and Dorothy (Crosby, Ellis) Mason.

In Delly’s younger years, he served with the Black Watch (The Royal Highland Regiment of Canada). Later, he was employed as a steelworker and crane operator at Ocean Steel Ltd for many years until his retirement in 1994. Delly was also a member of The Loyalist City Amateur Radio Club and enjoyed Wednesday night coffee with his good friends Steve Foster and Joe Woods. He was a very social, funny and selfless man. You could always count on a few jokes and stories over a couple of Budweiser beer. Delly will be missed by all that had the honor to know him.

Delly will be lovingly remembered by his wife Anne; Children, Joey and Lori (Mike Stone) both of Saint John, NB; grandchildren, Eric of Saint John, NB and Cassandra Brunschwiler (Elena) of Bern, Switzerland; special grand dog, Meeko; brothers, John (Nancy) and Raymond (the late Adir); sisters, Renie and Margaret; special in-laws, Beatrice and Mitch Jackson, Marie and Andrew Hunter, Cecile Hill, Debbie Bernier (the late Joe), David and Janice Bernier, Brenda and Harvey Stewart and Susie Bernier. As well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Delly was predeceased by his daughter Lisa; his grandson Aaron; sisters Dorothy Faulkenham (the late Stan), Beulah Byers (the late Charlie), Marilyn Pacheco and Shirly Marshall; brothers; George (Bonnie), Bernard (the late Helen), Michael (the late Betty) and Harry (the late Annie); brothers-in-law, Wally Bernier and Joseph Bernier.

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​It is with great sadness that the family of Karl Wolff announce his death, which occurred on November 14, 2021, at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born on November 7, 1929, in Offenbach, Germany, he was the son of the late Karl H. and Victoria (Frolick) Wolff.
Karl is survived by his son, Karl Wolff of Corpus Christi, TX; along with his grandchildren: Karl Michael, Lacy, and Danielle; sister, Mellita Plank; along with several great-grandchildren, and extended family members. He will also be missed by his special friends, Tom and Phyllis Flowers. In addition to his parents, Karl was predeceased by his loving wife, Esther (Findly) Wolff; and his children: Carol-Anne and Ian Scott.
Karl was an avid Ham Radio operator and even had his own 40-foot towers on his property. Having taught himself multiple languages, he was always ready for a good conversation with almost anyone. As a bricklayer, he had no fear of heights, and his friends would often find him climbing one of his towers to make sure everything was working just perfectly.

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Phillip Gerard Cyr January 1, 1955 ~ November 11, 2020 (age 65)
 
 
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Phillip Gerard Cyr announces his passing which occurred on Remembrance Day November 11th, 2020 peacefully in his home. Born on January 1, 1955 he was the son of the late Edward and Phyllis (Knight) Cyr.

Phil lived his life as a very caring, generous and loving person. Phil loved to chat and could captivate an audience of family, friends and strangers alike with his ability to tell a story.

Warrant Officer Phil Cyr, CD, proudly served with the Reserve Force from September 1969 to January 1995 with a deployment to Egypt in 76/77. Phil spent the majority of his career with the 722 Communications Squadron.  

Phil spent over 29 years working as a Lineman with Saint John Energy, he was incredibly proud of his work of lighting up the city every year for Christmas. He was a member of the Loyalist Amateur Radio Club, Fundy Shooting Sports and the Saint John Astronomy Club.

He is survived by his loving wife of over 39 years Deborah “Debbie” (Buck) Cyr, his children; Michael, Stephen (Carla), Heather and Steward Cail who was like a son, brothers; Jon, Danny (Wendy), Mark (Kathy) and Chris (Sandra), his granddaughters; Oakleigh and Maddie, along with several nieces, nephews and loving in-laws.

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Mike Bell May 2, 1959 ~ May 13, 2020 (age 61)

It is with great sadness that the family of Thomas Michael Bell (Mike) announces his unexpected passing on May 13, 2020 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. He was the son of the late Judge Thomas Bell and Patricia Bell (Blayney). Although he was born in Ottawa, Mike was a lifelong active member of the Saint John community and had just celebrated his 61st birthday on May 2nd.
Mike was a cheerful, upbeat, friendly type of guy ready to joke around, even though MD slowed him down, he kept up appearances for the club events, I remember one time for arrl field day, him and I would stay up all night working the radio, when all others were passed out.  He was an exceptional guy and will be sorely missed by everyone.

Fundy Funeral Home obituary

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Dennis Frederick Barrett April 3, 1948 ~ July 9, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected death of Dennis Barrett, which occurred on July 9, 2020 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born April 3, 1948, he was a son of the late William and Mary (Connolly) Barrett. He is survived by his loving wife and high school sweetheart, Ann (O’Connor) Barrett. They just celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on June 27, 2020.
He was a member of the ICCA, Telephone Pioneers, Radio Amateurs of Canada and held a membership with the Opimian Society since 1978. His many hobbies included ham radio, photography, computers, cooking, and wine making.

Brenan’s Funeral Home Obituary