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.

Another real ham goes Silent Key. 73 old man.

Dan/W4NTI

"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.

"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.

(Michael Black) wrote in message ...
"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


First off I don't agreee with these sorts of "categorizations". The
implication here is that you consider Gus a "better ham" than Danny
was and I reject the concept. Categorically. Plus dissing Danny a half
century after he lit up the bands is not exactly a class act Michael.

Danny never made any bones about the intent and purpose of his ham
activities. We kept his boat(s) afloat which was his need and he
shipped the cards which was our need. And there isn't any more to it
than that.

His format has been followed innumerable times since, i.e. hams with
marginal and/or short term interests in the hobby or DXing putting new
ones on the air. If the cards they've sent over the years hit the
no-counters pile your own totals and the Honor Roll membership count
would drop like rocks.

w3rv

"Brian Kelly" wrote in message
om...
(Michael Black) wrote in message
...
"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


First off I don't agreee with these sorts of "categorizations". The
implication here is that you consider Gus a "better ham" than Danny
was and I reject the concept. Categorically. Plus dissing Danny a half
century after he lit up the bands is not exactly a class act Michael.

Danny never made any bones about the intent and purpose of his ham
activities. We kept his boat(s) afloat which was his need and he
shipped the cards which was our need. And there isn't any more to it
than that.

His format has been followed innumerable times since, i.e. hams with
marginal and/or short term interests in the hobby or DXing putting new
ones on the air. If the cards they've sent over the years hit the
no-counters pile your own totals and the Honor Roll membership count
would drop like rocks.

w3rv

Well said.

Dan/W4NTI

"Brian Kelly" wrote in message
om...
(Michael Black) wrote in message
...
"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


First off I don't agreee with these sorts of "categorizations". The
implication here is that you consider Gus a "better ham" than Danny
was and I reject the concept. Categorically. Plus dissing Danny a half
century after he lit up the bands is not exactly a class act Michael.

Danny never made any bones about the intent and purpose of his ham
activities. We kept his boat(s) afloat which was his need and he
shipped the cards which was our need. And there isn't any more to it
than that.

His format has been followed innumerable times since, i.e. hams with
marginal and/or short term interests in the hobby or DXing putting new
ones on the air. If the cards they've sent over the years hit the
no-counters pile your own totals and the Honor Roll membership count
would drop like rocks.

w3rv

Well said.

Dan/W4NTI

(Michael Black) wrote in message ...
"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


First off I don't agreee with these sorts of "categorizations". The
implication here is that you consider Gus a "better ham" than Danny
was and I reject the concept. Categorically. Plus dissing Danny a half
century after he lit up the bands is not exactly a class act Michael.

Danny never made any bones about the intent and purpose of his ham
activities. We kept his boat(s) afloat which was his need and he
shipped the cards which was our need. And there isn't any more to it
than that.

His format has been followed innumerable times since, i.e. hams with
marginal and/or short term interests in the hobby or DXing putting new
ones on the air. If the cards they've sent over the years hit the
no-counters pile your own totals and the Honor Roll membership count
would drop like rocks.

w3rv

"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.

(Hans K0HB) wrote in message . com...
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 . . . .

Danny Weil, VP2VB . . boy this brings back a lotta memories from my
'wayback radio days!

After his first boat sank he toured the radio clubs in the States,
particularly the DX and DX contesting groups to drum up funds for a
replacement boat. He was the guest speaker at one of the FRC club
meetings and put on a great show which is when I met him. He was a
very memorable piece of work to say the least. And it didn't take very
long to get him back in the water either.

He changed the face of DXing in a big way and was the first of the
real DXpeditioneers and led the way for other pioneers of his ilk like
Gus Browning and OH2BH.

Last anybody around here heard Danny had taken up residence in San
Antonio and settled into a career in the machine shops in that region
supposedly never to heard on the air again.

w3rv

More old time DXers at URL:
http://home.swipnet.se/dx/porthole/index.htm

And the CQ Contest Hall Of Fame at URL:
http://cqww.com/hof-history.html


--
73 From Key Largo

"Brian Kelly" wrote in message
om...
(Hans K0HB) wrote in message
. com...
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