Silent Key

Alfred N. "Neb" Brown, W3UQN, SK

Alfred N. Brown, W3UQN, passed away last week at Halifax Hospital.

Mr. Alfred Brown, W3UQN, who preferred being called "Neb" was one of the oldest members of DBARA. He became a member in the early 70s. "Neb" was one of our very active ham's and enjoyed coming to club meetings. He always had a smile and loved meeting new folks in the club and could tell some really great stories about his life. Like how he graduated from Kings Point Maritime Academy in New York. The proud processor of an Engineer's degree and a Maritime rating for steam powered ships. But decided ship's were not going to be his cup of tea and went to work for Baldwin Lima Hamilton to build large diesel engines. He always called Carolyn Truesdale the night before club meetings to see if he could hitch a ride with Carolyn and John LoCicero to the next meeting night.

He was a avid sailboat sailor who had sailed around the world on his sail boat with his wife. They lived aboard their sali boat up till a few years ago when they sold the boat and moved to Bishop's Glen Assisted Living facility with his wife. He had also owned a couple of airplanes and he continued to fly up until the time they had to move into the assisted living home.

Alfred "Neb" Brown will be missed by everyone that associated with him as a member of the DBARA.

Robert "Cliff" Fraser, KE4HIY, is known throughout the ham radio community as "Mr. Coffee and Doughnuts Man." Became a Silent Key today, 7 February 2008

Cliff became a silent key at 1230 hours today after having fought a tremendous battle with Cancer and the effects of the chemotherapy and radiation treatments. While i never seemed to find a way to visit him as often as others I tried real hard to keep close tabs on his wellbeing and efforts to overcome the treatments and cause were affecting overall.

Many of us did not know Cliff as well as others he still was a good caring person and will be missed as a ham, a friend, and a member of DBARA. No one made a better pot of coffee or selected a better box of Krispy Kreme doughnuts for meeting night refreshments.

Sadly, Cliff appears to be deteriorating rapidly. He is still in the NSB Hospice in no apparent pain and comfortable.

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Jose, AJ4BN

02.05.2008

As many of you know, Cliff has been at Halifax for the past week. He has been very weak and unable to care for himself or to assist with his care. The family and Cliff have decided that he would be better cared for in a Hospice setting.

Cliff is being transferred to New Smyrna Beach Hospice, 1020 Claudia Street, 386-428-8214. He is able to receive visitors and phone calls. I am sure that he would appreciate your calls/visits. John and I will be visiting him in the next couple of days.

We will keep you informed as events warrant.

73

Jose, AJ4BN

Update 01.15.2008: Tuesday, Cliff visited Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville for his
comprehensive Phase 1 examination. The combined
radiation/chemotherapy treatment was completed in late December.

After an all day round of examinations, MRI and laboratory work, the
Neurology/Oncology team spent about 1.5 hours with Cliff. He is
doing remarkably well. The physicians said that usually Cliff's type
of tumor actually grows during the radiation/chem phase 1 treatment.
Cliff's MRI showed NO growth and the surgery and phase 1 treatment
appears to have contained the tumor. The only negative symptom is
that Cliff is very tired which is an expected symptom, particularly
given the aggressive treatment he has received. He should be
recovering his strength in the next 2-4 weeks. (He has certainly not
lost any of his sense of humor)

Phase 2 treatment begins this Monday. This is much less aggressive
consisting of chemotherapy 5 days per month for six months. His next
follow-up visit at Mayo is in March.

Feel free to call, email or talk to him on the repeater.

Jose AJ4BN
Posted on 01.18.2008

Cliff went to Mayo this Wednesday for a mid-chemo checkup. The aggressive radiation/chemotherapy course of treatment is scheduled to end Dec. 18. After the 18th, Cliff will get a rest for 4 weeks and then resume a chemo only treatment which is considerably less aggressive than what he is receiving now.

The physician at Mayo found Cliff in remarkably good shape--in fact much better than expected at this point of the therapy. He has lost 12 pounds, which is not bad. The only negative so far is that he feels weak, which is also to be expected.

The big milestone is Jan 3rd when Cliff will get an MRI at Mayo and an extensive examination to assess the effectiveness of the therapy.

We continue praying for his complete recovery, Cliff promised me that he would attend our banquet. If you wish to call him, I think that he will welcome it. Andrea (his daughter-in-law) who is taking very good care of Cliff can always restrict calls if he is too tired.

Any questions, feel free to contact me or our esteemed president.

73s

Jose, AJ4BN

11.20.2007: In talking with AJ4BN, Jose, at last nights club meeting I found out that while Cliff has been taking his cancer treatments regularly and getting proper food and care the rescue effort is taking a toll on his physical strength. His live in care taker is starting to show signs of strain on her also. BL

Cliff went to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville today. The head of the
Oncology-Neurology Dept examined Cliff and all his medical records.
The physicians at Mayo essentially agree with the diagnosis and
prognosis offered by the Halifax physicians. They also felt that the
surgery was appropriate and properly done.

The major change in Cliff's treatment is that he will be under Mayo
Clinic's chemotherapy protocol which is more aggressive. Mayo has
approval for this protocol because of their research protocols. Cliff
will need to go to Jacksonville for follow-up.

Beginning Monday, Cliff will begin a radiation therapy course of
treatment of six week duration with radiation 5 times per week. At
the same time, chemotherapy will begin daily on Monday for six
weeks, including weekends. It is expected that Cliff will be
fatigued from this aggressive treatment.

I am sure that he appreciates your calls and prayers. Please refrain
from calling him beginning on Monday. I or John will post when it
would be appropriate to call Cliff again.

Jose, AJ4BN