The following was posted on the CWOps Reflector this morning, and probably others as well…
W1BIH – SK
Posted by: “Peter Chamalian” w1rm@nullarrl.net
Sat Mar 10, 2012 11:14 am (PST)
It is with great sadness that I pass along the news that John Thompson,
W1BIH (aka PJ9JT) became a Silent Key on March 8. John was an ardent
contester and DXer (390 confirmed), a member of the CQ Contest Hall of Fame
(number 14) and an ardent CW operator.
John was a member of YCCC, FOC, Connecticut Wireless Association and QCWA.
Funeral arrangements are pending at this time.
While John was not a member of CWops, I’m sure he would have been if he
could still send CW. He had a partial stroke in 2008 that left his right
side pretty much useless.
Pete, W1RM
I note this with great sadness…John was the truest of the true gentlemen I have ever met. I was a member of the Connecticut Wireless Assn when John was active from his Torrington, CT, home. I operated Field Day with him many times…primarily from Dennis Hill in Norfolk, CT and the West Hill fire station in New Hartford….always in the 2 transmitter class. I was also PJ9XX and PJ9MM (multi) sometime in the 80s in the RadioSport Contest from his PJ9JT QTH in Curacao. What a great spot! CWA had a reunion luncheon a couple of years ago at John’s nursing home in Plymouth, MA…it was the last time I was able to see him. John, W1BIH…one of the best ham radio operators ever! 73!!! — John, W1XX