David Rankin 9V1RH/VK3QV - SK

It is with great sadness that news of the passing of David Rankin, 9V1RH/VK3QV aged 74, in Singapore on 19 March, is being received by the amateur radio community.

The Singapore Amateur Radio Transmitting Society (SARTS) and the Wireless Institute of Australia (WIA) have paid tributes to this expatriate Australian who made sterling contributions to the WIA, IARU and SARTS.

SARTS on its website said, “Anyone who ever had a QSO with him would remember his engaging conversations and friendly manner.

“He was an incredibly knowledgeable ham who was dedicated to amateur radio. He was also an amazingly genuine and warm human being, always there to lend a listening ear.

“His departure means a great loss to SARTS and also to the worldwide Amateur Radio community.”

The WIA President Michael Owen VK3KI said David was always the enthusiastic amateur, originally involved with WIA Victorian Division, then the Federal Executive, and was Federal Vice President for a number of years.

He worked for Hy-Q the frequency crystal maker, originally in Frankston, Victoria and went to Singapore when the company established a factory there in 1972, met Adeline, married and lived in Singapore ever afterwards.

Living in Singapore he developed both a real interest in and understanding of amateur radio in the developing countries of what had become his part of the world.

He actively participated in what had become his home society SARTS. A great supporter of SEANET (Southeast Asia Network).

Michael Owen VK3KI, who is also the IARU Region 3 Chairman, said of David Rankin, “His real interest became the IARU Region 3.

“He was secretary of IARU Region 3 from 1973 to 1982, Chairman of Region 3 from 1982 to 1994, and a Director from 1994 to 1997. He enthusiastically welcomed his many Australian friends, mainly amateurs, visiting Singapore.

“David enjoyed amateur radio and his many friends through amateur radio, but gave an enormous amount to amateur radio, most particularly and over very many years, through IARU Region 3.”

Sincere condolences are extended to his wife Adeline, their children Sheila and Edward, and his many amateur radio friends.

Jim Linton VK3PC