G3LHJ (G3L) Derrick 1931-2025

Message from the TARS Chairman, Jeff, M0WSZ

Dear all.

It is with great sadness that I must advise the Club that Derrick G3LHJ our President and one of the Club founding fathers since 1947 has passed away on Monday 4th of August at the age of 94 years.

Derrick has been a stalwart of our Club, a mentor to many including myself, and a friend to all.

He is known and respected throughout the Amateur Radio world although nothing about Derrick could ever be described as Amateur.

A master of the morse key with speeds many can only dream of, a stickler for correct procedure on air and a true icon in our hobby.

Many know that Derrick has suffered illness in recent times and has found it more difficult to get to the Club, however, that did not diminish his love of radio. He was often heard on Club nets and taking part in contests. His trophy shelf was always in need of additional support.

As time and his illness progressed, he was unable to get upstairs to his beloved shack and a couple of us managed to set him up with a temporary station downstairs. This got him back on the air albeit for such a short time. He was with us on the Club net last Friday and in good spirits. It is somewhat poignant that possibly his last QSO was to the Club he held so dear for so long.

Sadly over the weekend his health deteriorated rapidly and he was taken into hospital where he passed away.

I am proud to have known him and called him a friend. His callsign will forever ring out through the void.

Sleep well my friend, rest in peace, you will be very much missed by a great many, but not forgotten.

In memory of Mr Derrick Webber G3LHJ now signing clear.

Jeff, M0WSZ, Chairman of Torbay Amateur Radio Society