We were saddened to hear of the death of longtime ACS member Gerald Kleinbrook, N7EZU. The following is a note we received from ACS member Clarke Stockwell WA7BVQ, and from Gerald's wife, Vera N7XOK.

From Vera: "Gerald was born in New London Wisconsin September 13th 1918 left there when he graduated from High School and moved to Washington spent 12 years in the Navy. Then he met Vera and they married July 15th 1954 they had their 53rd Anniversary last year they have six children and 17 grand children 12 great grandchildren. He did love his years as a Ham felt bad the past year that he couldn't do more . thanks to all."

From Clarke: "Gerry was born on Sept. 13, 1918 in New London, Wisconsin. He passed on November 9, 2007. I knew Gerry from when Vera and my wife worked together at Safeway 1972-1976. Gerry served in the Military (Navy) in both WW2 and Korean War. He was stationed on Destroyers, PT Boats, & Working Vessels - Tugs and Troop Carriers. He was deployed in the South Pacific, and spent a great deal of time around New Guinea during the conquest of New Guinea. He had some colorful stories to tell about his experiences at Mois Woendi, and meeting native peoples (head hunters) on New Guinea. At the end of the war his Destroyer was caught in a massive Typhoon which caused the sinking of a number of Navy ships. It is a well known event in Naval history. I believe he was part of the inital occupation force to arrive on Japanese soil. Later when the Korean War broke out he was recalled and spent several years in Korea and Japan.

Gerry became a commercial pilot after the war. He also became an FAA Flight Instructor. He worked for the Baxter Wycoff Company in West Seattle and retired from there in 1983. He earned his Ham License in the early 1980's and became KA7OVI. My first radio contact with him was on 2/14/1983 according to my log book. A little later he became N7EZU when he passed his Advanced Class License. He enjoyed working HF, VHF, and UHF. He was an active member of the West Seattle Amateur Radio Club and was very interested in emergency service (ARES). He joined Seattle ACS when it was formed and particpated in a number of field exercises.

In the last year, Gerry and Vera moved to Lakewood from White Center in order to be closer to their family. They found a nice home that met all of their needs. They enjoyed camping with their Motor Home and made several excursions across the United States. They combined the trips with reunions with Navy Veterans whom Gerry served with during the wars. Prior to owning the Motor Home, they enjoyed boating, and made many family cruises to various locations around Puget Sound. He carried his 2M mobile on the boat and we kept in close contact through various repeaters.

Gerry was still on the air on VHF until shortly before his passing. We tried to keep a scheduled contact on 146.520. He very much enjoyed Amateur Radio. His XYL, Vera, and a son and daughter also earned their licenses. Gerry was a very "can-do" type of guy. He had dealt with a number of health problems but always maintained a positive outlook. He always had a smile and a good word to say. He was always concerned about others. He didn't complain and was a real inspiration to know."

We will miss Gerry and extend our most sincere condolences to Vera and the rest of his family.