VR6TC 1978 Pitcairn Island

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. 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, Letter from the estate of W0JRI / W0HZ
Info courtesy of The Daily DX