Vice-Director Bill Hudzik, W2UDT retires

Bill and Ria on the bus on the way to the grand reopening of ARRL HQ (July 2021)

Our dear friend and my colleague Bill Hudzik, W2UDT has decided to retire as Vice-Director of the Hudson Division effective February 1, 2022. It was not an easy decision, but due to health reasons, Bill is unable to continue his duties as Vice-Director.

Bill in his shack

Personally, this is a huge loss for me. When I was elected Director, one of the things I was most excited about was working with my dear friend Bill. In fact, Bill often has done much valuable work in club outreach in Northern NJ and especially with Field Day coverage. He has helped me get the word out in all of the Division. But more than that, Bill as a Section Manager back in the mid 2000s was partially responsible for our exemption in the New Jersey cell phone law. This was (and is) a blanket exemption for amateur radio written in the statute. Moreover, Bill’s knowledge of NJ state Government has been invaluable in our efforts to bring awareness to amateur radio in Trenton. Bill’s work on the ARRL historical committee is invaluable, as well. The good news is that Bill will continue on the historical committee as long as he is able to.

Bill speaking at a past NJDXA holiday luncheon (2007)

Bill and I go back only a few years (about 16 years), to 2006 when I joined the North Jersey DX Association. Bill and I would have lots of interesting conversations about the future of amateur radio and ARRL at the NJDXA picnic every year. Bill would also always have an interesting ARRL report at our meetings. Bill truly embodied ARRL service and it was because of him that I gained deep respect and admiration for those who honorably serve ARRL and amateur radio.

Bill and his wife Mary Ann were regulars at breakfast at Board meetings, and it was so wonderful to have someone who I could chat with about local things. In particular, Mary Ann’s words of wisdom (as a retired Superior Court Judge) were interesting to hear. Bill and Mary Ann are in my thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time, and I will definitely be checking in on my dear friend Bill, especially at NJDXA meetings and any hamfests he may attend.

I will be working diligently with President Rick Roderick, K5UR to find a suitable replacement.

I would like to thank Bill for all of his years of service.

73
Ria Jairam, N2RJ
Director, Hudson Division

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