The club is deeply saddened by news last night (July 13th) that our fellow club member Nick Gaudiuso (VE7TE) passed away that morning. Nick had recently suffered from a battle with cancer.
For many years, Nick was the main organizer of the club’s top fundraiser, the twice-yearly swap meet. He was the point of contact with all those purchasing tables, and usually handed out prizes to all winners. His energy was very apparent in the planning of that event. Anyone attending a club swap meet will probably know him as he was often the face of them. Nick also spent considerable time maintaining the club’s repeaters.
Several years ago, Nick was awarded with a plaque recognizing his 30 years of dedicated service to the club. He was also voted a life member of the club, further recognizing his dedication. In the hours following notification of his passing, many club members gave moving statements on his character:
“Nick was a respected and cherished member of our club. An elmer to both prospective and seasoned hams alike, active with both the repeater coordination council and provincial emergency program, and key to countless, successful swap meets, Nick was known throughout the hobby far and wide. His sage advice and warm smile will be dearly missed. I’m truly honoured to have known and called Nick a friend”
“I met Nick on our first year here in Canada and he was my examiner when I took my exam back in 2019. He was also the one who introduced me to the group. So sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences and prayers to the family and may he rest in peace.”
“Nick was a respected long term club member and my friend. He will be missed.”
“Nick was a fine fellow. Always with a welcoming smile and a kind word to share. He will be missed.”
The club’s president and net control for the weekly 2-meter net dedicated the weekly net on July 14th to the memory of Nick Gaudiuso. Those checking-in were invited to make any comments they wished on Nick. Many kind words were said including how friendly and welcoming he was to new members. How he was a friend to many. And especially on his dedication and hard work over many years to the club’s operations. There is no doubt that he leaves a large void to be filled. Club members are welcome to send any additional thoughts, condolences or memories of Nick to the club’s webmaster. The club’s president also advised the BC Public Service net on Wednesday evening and the BCPS Net held one minute of silence in Nick’s honour..
Nick’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, July 21st, 11 A.M. at St. Luke’s Parish, 20285 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge, BC.
The club wishes to extend our sympathies to Nick’s family and sincerely thank him for his many years of tremendous service to the club. It is a sentiment that the ham radio community will probably loudly echo. 73 to you, Nick, you will be sorely missed.
In honour of Nick, the club’s website was blacked out with an “in memorium” main page for two weeks. Also, the day after the club learned of his passing, club members met outside the clubhouse and toasted his memory with Nick’s drink of choice, a red wine. Italian, of course. Nick was a fine man and will be missed dearly.
