VR6TC 1958 Pitcairn Island

W2HTI, Betty VP6YL, VR6YL (XYL of VR6TC), VR6TC, XYL of W2MJ, W2MJ
1968 Photo

A party given by North Jersey DX Association for Tom VR6TC and XYL Betty's visit to the USA.

VP6TC/VR6TC, Tom Christian, longtime famous ham from Pitcairn Island, who probably gave most of us that “new one,” has passed away, peacefully, on July 7, 2013 at 78 years of age. Tom was diagnosed with possible Parkinson’s and early signs of Alzheimer’s/dementia in December, 2009, while on a family visit in New Zealand. His wife, VP6YL/VR6YL, Betty Christian, says his health “deteriorated all too quickly,” and the last few months were “cruel ones to watch such a strong, vibrant man reduced to where he was not really aware of his surroundings and then was unable to walk and swallow food or liquid.” Tom was buried July 8th in the cemetery on Pitcairn. Lack of available transportation prevented most of Tom and Betty’s children making it back for the funeral. Tom was known as the “Voice of Pitcairn,” was an M.B.E., Member of the British Empire, and served on the Pitcairn Island Council as the Governor’s Representative for 40 years.

First licensed in 1957, he was the President of the Pitcairn Island Amateur Radio Association when Ducie Island became eligible for DXCC credit (November 2001) as a result of a favourable vote to accept PIARA as an International Amateur Radio Union member-society.

QSL from the estate of W9ABB / W9HK
Photo from the cover of "THE DXERS MAGAZINE" by Gus Browning W4BPD
Issue 88, October 2, 1968
SK info courtesy of The Daily DX