VP3AA 1938 British Guiana

Operator: Louis Fonseca, also: VP3LF, VP3BG

VP3LF, Louis C, Fonseca  was born in Paramaribo, Suriname in the late 1800's and moved with his parents to then British Guiana. He became a pharmacist- chemist and druggist and ran two stores in the capital city, Georgetown.  He was active in local broadcast radio station VP6BG (later ZFY) and served in the radio department of a well known local department store.

He influenced his nephews, George, 6Y5GB and Charles, 8R1CB, to follow in his footsteps in taking up the hobby.

He was a musician and played the violin and the organ at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. He was also an active Mason and a member of the United Grand Lodge of England.

He married Alice in the early 1900s. They had two sons, Louis Jr. and William, who worked in government. William worked for HM Customs and as Anglican priest. Louis Jr. served as District Commissioner and in the Ministry of Health Housing and Labor. In family circles, Louis was well known for taking to the HF airwaves to announce the birth of his grandchildren during a DX QSO. He passed away at the age of 69.

I believe my grandfather was very proud of the family and announced the arrival of first grandchild on the air, or so claims my eldest sister who believes her birth was broadcast to the world.
Unfortunately, when I arrived after he was SK (in the 1950's) so my birth was not announced.

This is my grandfather VP3AA at his rig circa 1930's to 1940's.
This was taken in his home at 33 Robb St, Georgetown in front of his homebuilt transmitter.

Here is another picture of my grandfather VP3LF operating as VP3AA in his younger years.

VP3AA and VP3LF QSL cards were mailed to his grandson May 2020.

Thank you so much for sending me the QSL cards. A great connection to my grandfather and perhaps it is in the genes and that explains my love for radio and electronics.
I will cherish the cards knowing he wrote them and sent them to his contacts in the USA.
I learned a couple of days ago that my father traveled to the US when he was 21 years old and stayed with a ham in NY that my grandfather spoke to regularly on 20 metres.
Definitely a great fraternity!
73, VE6NPF Nicholas Fonseca
Alberta, Canada

QSL courtesy of K8MFO
From the estate of W8OPB / W8XM
Info, Photos courtesy of grandson Nicholas Fonseca