Hello to all..

I received some horrible news Friday Evening. Ralph York-N1ZAG, Newburyport EMA Communications Officer passed away unexpectedly at the age of 60 years old and that the folks in Newburyport EMA wanted to reschedule the SKYWARN Training class. After considerable discussion with those who were registered with the class and between me and Jim Palmer-KB1KQW on whether we should host the class at a different location for March 8th, we have decided to cancel the March 8th class and reschedule the class at the Newburyport EMA or similar location for either Saturday June 7th or Saturday June 14th.

This has been an awkward situation to handle and we hope this is the best decision for everyone. My sincerest condolences have been extended to Ralph York’s family as well as to Newburyport Emergency Management as this has been a big loss for the community of Newburyport. Below is the obituary of Ralph York-N1ZAG:

Ralph K. York

NEWBURYPORT — Ralph Kenneth “Dusty” York, 60, lifelong Newburyport resident, died unexpectedly Wednesday morning, Feb. 27, 2008 at Anna Jaques Hospital. He was the husband of Sheila M. (Green) York, to whom he had been married 37 years.

Born in Newburyport, June 20, 1947, he was the son of the late Edward and Esther (Packer) York and was a graduate of Newburyport High School. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving with the United States Navy.

For many years Mr. York was a mechanic at Sylvania Company in Danvers, and also drove a cab with Port Taxi.

Actively involved in the Newburyport community, Mr. York was one of the founders of the Newburyport Youth Football League; was an active member of the Newburyport Pioneer League; and volunteered many years with Newburyport Emergency Management.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons and one daughter, Kenneth Sasseville; Edward T. York; Adam M. York; and Heather A. LaRocque; numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and his brother, Howard York and wife Barbara.

ARRANGEMENTS: Visiting hours at Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green St., Newburyport, will be Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. Funeral services and interment will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Newburyport Emergency Management, 59 Low St., Newburyport, MA 01950.

Over the past few months, we have lost a number of dedicated Amateur Radio SKYWARN Spotters as stated in the past few newsletters and in this note. My condolences once again to those involved in SKYWARN who have lost loved ones over the past several months.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Eastern Massachusetts ARES Section Emergency Coordinator
Pager #: (508) 354-3142
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 1-800-445-2588 Ext.: 72929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
http://beta.wx1box.org
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