"Dan/W4NTI" (w4nti@get rid of this mindspring.com) writes:
Another real ham goes Silent Key. 73 old man.

Dan/W4NTI

Although, the case could be made that he wasn't a real ham.

Yes, he was an important part of ham radio for some years. But I
always got the impression, and the story suggests the same, that
he was interested in amateur radio beyond communication for
his sailing voyage. It always seemed like once he had that in place
for his own reasons, he discovered amateur radio beyond that. Amateur
radio gave him a reason to wander, because it gave him a reason for
visiting plenty of isolated locations for more of a reason than because
they were there. The fact that he pretty much disappeared after
Yasme was over, not being interested in DXing those exotic locations,
leaves in question how much of a ham he was, his contribution to
the hobby notwithstanding.

One might compare Danny to Gus Browning. The latter started
out in amateur radio at a young age, and went on the tour to put
many countries on the map. But then when that was over, he was
still considered a high power DXer, publishing DX Magazine for many
years.

Michael VE2BVW


"Hans K0HB" wrote in message
om...
VP2VB, Danny Weil, has gone on his last DX-pedition. He died Oct 3,
2003 in San Antonio. His obit is copied below.

Fair winds and following seas, old friend.

73, de Hans, K0HB/KG6AQI

------------

Danny Weil of San Antonio, TX was born January 14, 1918 in a suburb of
London England. He was descended from many generations of watchmakers
and was apprenticed in the trade of watchmaking. Later he earned a
Degree in Mechanical Engineering and Navigation. His father, Jack
Weil, was killed during World War II in the London Blitz.

Danny joined the Royal Air Force at the age of 17 and in the 10 years
he served, he was stationed in Ceylon, India, Norway and Stalingrad.
Danny left England in 1954 in a boat he made by himself in order to
travel the world alone after being inspired when he read the book "Kon
Tiki" in 1947. In 1963, after 9 years, 3 boats and travels to the
Atlantic, the Carribean and the Pacific Islands,

Danny completed his around the world voyage. Needing a means of
communication, he taught himself Morse Code, radio theory and obtained
a British Amateur radio license. Sailing single handedly around the
world was a trip he volunteered to undertake on behalf of radio
"hams". His voyage was integral in setting up ham radio stations on
remote islands and the expedition was monitored by over 100, 000
amateur radio enthusiasts around the world. He is remembered by most
"hams" as "the first DXpeditioner."

Danny was known as an adventurer who had a dry sense of humor which
was characteristic to the British but his heart was warm and his
loyalty as a friend was unparalleled. He was preceded in death by his
wife Naomi Weil and his mother Christine Eckels.

Danny is survived by his close knit extended family of friends, Dan &
Barbara Mclhany of Fair Oaks; Bonnie & Billy Henderson of San Antonio
and all of the employees at Towne North Animal Hospital.