Tribute to David R. Collingham

Tribute to David R. Collingham - WN6KTF, WB6KTF, AA6DC, K3LP
October 3, 1958 - January 5, 2018

David had been on over 70 DXpeditions, visited over 100 different DXCC entities, operating from 62 of them. He was a leader or co-leader on over 14 major DXpeditions. He was inducted as a member of the CQ DX Hall of Fame in 2014. In addition, he activated Most Wanted DXCC Entities; 8 of the Top 10 and 16 of the Top 50. Over the last twenty years, he had supported numerous youth education and development projects, and youth sports.

On Friday, January 5th, 2018, David let his dog outside. David later took his truck to search his 25 acre property when his dog did not return. David found that his dog had fallen into an icy pond that adjoins his property with another property.

David made the heroic decision to go into the pond to try to save his dog.

After some time had passed, David's wife Rebecca went looking for him. She found his truck at the pond and called 911. Fire personal recovered David's body as well as his dog. Efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. David lived his life bold, courageous, and heroically and he died trying to save his beloved dog. He will always be a hero in our hearts.

RIP David R. Collingham, age 59.
Paul Ewing, N6PSE

David was a good friend of mine. We would get together most years at the Dayton Hamvention. David was a fun and interesting guy to talk to. He would always make you feel important. We would talk about his many travels and DXpeditions. We were both DXers at heart. I had QSO's with him on several of his DXpeditions and also from his home in MD. There are several sound clips from his many DXpeditions listed on HamGallery. Sometimes we would both be at the low end of 40 meter CW trying to work longpath at our grayline.

David was involved in getting young people around the world interested in amateur radio. His efforts were inspirational and went a long way. He opened many doors for the youth of the world.

David was co-leader of the Intrepid DX Group that put on several DXCC entities from places that were dangerous and very hard to get licensed. He was also a very successful business man that ran his own business.

This news makes me very sad and upset. David had many friends around the world. Your presents will be missed at Dayton and on the air.

RIP my good friend,
Tom Roscoe K8CX

When I read through all the websites etc etc about David K3LP, it is difficult to imagine a young man of 59 having achieved & did so much in our amateur radio hobby. It has also come to my way of thinking that DAVID COLLINGHAM K3LP, should be awarded the highest Humanitarian award in recognition of laying down his life for his best friend…His Dog Cooper. In my mind it is like a Victoria Cross in England, which is in recognition as the Highest Bravery in Battle. May I ask to suggest this to many of the other members of the CQ DX Hall of Fame to make an “AWARD” posthumously to David, even if it came from the PRESIDENT OF THE USA. There is no higher deed than laying down your life for a friend & in this case a very special Dog COOPER, by a very very brave MAN, DAVID COLLINGHAM K3LP, who loved his Dog. My deepest sympathy to his XYL REBECCA & family & ALL OF YOU WHO KNEW HIM SO WELL .

I am a Dog lover & my CORGI, “TINKERBELLE”, is the most gorgeous girl & loves us & we love her & this story of DAVID has touched my heart.

It was heart breaking enough when we lost CARL SMITH N4AA (who I proposed for the CQ DX HALL of FAME & it was unanimously accepted) & it was awarded to Carl in 2012.

The following was a reflector post by ZS1AU:
All Dxers, World wide, & his many friends, will mourn the tragic passing of one of the greatest DXpeditioners, Contesters & Heroic & Humanitarian acts by a radio amateur, DAVID (DAVE) COLLINHGHAM, K3LP. Just over a week ago DAVE looked for his pet dog, Cooper, who had gone missing. DAVE took his truck & searched all over & found Cooper trapped in a pond. When Dave did not return home, a search revealed that DAVE had gone to the rescue of COOPER (a beautiful Golden Retriever ?) & they were found dead in the frozen pond. If you are a dog lover & can just imagine how humane it was for DAVE to attempt to save this dog & put his own life at risk. What higher respect & honour can be paid to a human who lay down his life for his best friend...& the love of his dog, COOPER. DAVE K3LP, was heard over the years with a great signal on the bands taking part in the CQWW SSB & CW CONTESTS. He will be remembered for more recent DXpeditions & especially the one to VP8STI & VP8SGI & was one of the TEAM who were awarded THE DXpedition OF THE YEAR 2016. He had been to & operated from many DX entities & the more best known were, South Sudan, Rotuma, Fiji, Ethiopia, Yemen, Serbia, KOSOVO, Mt Athos, Macedonia, Greece, Albania, Montenegro & the Antarctic. Now that is a record any radio amateur would be proud of. DAVE lived life to the full & it can be said that "HE MADE A DIFFERENCE" & we all benefitted by his being so dedicated to everything he did for others. David Collingham, K3LP, was inducted into the CQ DX HALL of FAME in 2014. It has to be one of the most heart breaking tragedies I have heard & especially about a radio amateur who was of such a high profile & one of a kind, who even had the word "HAM" in his name. DAVE was a loving man, proud of his family & friend to many & he loved his hobby Amateur Radio. He was 59 years young & in the prime of his life. Our sympathy goes to his XYL Rebecca, Son Ryan & Daughter Amanda & close friends, around the world.
K3 LIMA PAPPA will be missed on the DX bands.
May he Rest In Peace.

Thank you,
73
Dennis Wells ZS1AU
Past Councillor of the SARL
Life Member SARL & Life Member of CTARC (member of both for over 70 years)
Licensed in 1950
DXCC # 1 HR Top in Africa with 359.

Info courtesy of K8CX, N6PSE, QRZ.com