This morning was the funeral for Liliane Bell, KC5AQP, and the bulk of the crowd was from the ham radio community. As I walked down the road toward the site of the grave side services, it looked like an impromptu ham fest, with all the ham radio antennas sprouting from the cars, trucks and mini-vans. Lots of vehicles with ham radio license plates as well.
During the service, we learned that Liliane Bell was bornin Tonnay Charente, France on March 30, 1937. She passed away due to long term illnesses caused by Cancer in San Antonio, Texas on Sunday, September 6, 2009. Her Obit in the Express News can be viewed online here.
The rain let up briefly, but it was standing room only, and about half the crowd was left standing outside in the uncovered area, using their umbrellas. One ham showed up without his umbrella or raincoat, but fortunately for him, Shane NS5D had been thoughtful enough to bring a really big umbrella, large enough for him and the other guy to stand under.
When service was over, about 20 of us ham radio operators drove over to La Posada Del Ray Restaurant on Basse Road for lunch. It was being remodeled on the outside, but the banners made it clear that they were still open. SARO had previously visited this establishment for dinner after meetings when they were meeting at the Ruble Center, and the restaurant staff still recognized many of us. We disbanded around 12:30pm, with some heading back over to Gordon’s house for a reception, and others heading back to work or home.
Here are some photos from this morning’s service, taken before and then after the service, allowing for the privacy of the family and sanctity of the service.
June 22nd, 2010 at 1:53 AM
hello françe cousin de liliane françehello atout çeux que j’ai connu