DX-World

September 10, 2012 – by UA9OBA.

On Saturday, September 8th in Biysk, Altai region, Alexander Vedernikov’s funeral finally took place. To say goodbye to UA9YAB more than one hundred people gathered: family, fellow workers (Alexander worked at broadcasting radio station) and radio amateurs from Biysk, Barnaul, Rubtsovsk, Gorno-Altaisk, Onguday and other settlements of Altai region and the Republic Altai (GA), and also from Novosibirsk and Moscow.

During mourning ceremony, the gathered presented condolences to the widow of UA9YAB – Natalia, Alexander’s parents, daughters and other family members. Also words of grief from radio amateurs of Russia and the whole world were conveyed.

Among many wreaths one simply said “To Alexander UA9YAB from all radio amateurs”.

Natalia Vedernikov thanked all for moral and material support, having especially noted the help of the radio amateur community. She reported that enough contributions had been received to help pay for repatriation and funeral arrangements, that all remaining funds will be set aside to help with future Russian Robinson travels, of which Alexander was a member of (RRC#415)

HAM SPIRIT around the world remains in this wonderful hobby of ours. Thanks to all for truly kind support.

August 21, 2012

All funds raised have now been transferred to Alex’s widow, Natalia. She thanks sincerely all radio hams worldwide for their generous contributions and fund raising in an effort to have her husband’s body flown home for burial, and to bring some closure to this sad story. With the required amount of money now raised (including over 15,000 USD from the ham radio world) Natalia and family wish to convey their deep gratitude.

She also reported that a worthy place for burial at the local cemetery has been chosen. On the grave of her husband she intends to establish a monument in radio amateur style, and with the indication of a callsign – UA9YAB.

Date of funeral to be reported.

We also thank Col, MM0NDX for dedicated support shown through DX-World.net

Yuri Zaruba UA9OBA,
Chief of Siberian Radioamateurs Association,
President of RRC- Russian Robinson Club.

August 20, 2012:

• Yuri UA9OBA updates with news that more than 7,700 USD has been raised in Russia via bank transfers and 7,500 USD through paypal contributions. Total 15,200 USD.

The family friend of the Vedernikov’s arrived in Caracas a few days ago and met with the consul of Russia whom discussed process registration and further actions. Now can take place authorization with a funeral agency and coordination with police to confirm cause of death. Alex’s body has been taken by plane from Las Roques island (SA-035) and is now in mortuary in a suburb of Caracas.

Further updates will be provided. Please continue to support Natalia and family with your thoughtful contributions – any amount helps to get Alex’s body returned home.

August 18, 2012:

DONORS list updated – circa 6,000 USD now raised. Could all Donors please mention their callsign in comments section of paypal when making a donation. Thank you for continued generous assistance and please spread the word.

August 16, 2012:

• Yuri UA9OBA and Yuri N3QQ update with the following.

A friend of Alex Vedernikov’s family left Moscow today bound for Caracas, Venezuela. He will spend up to two weeks there engaging with officials in the registration and transportation process of returning Alex’s body home for burial. This procedure is proving very difficult and expensive.

The total amount to have Alex returned home is over $30,000.

This sum is large and Alex’s relatives and employers are shouldering much of the cost together with the hugely generous response from the Ham radio world so far. As of August 16th, over $4,000 has been contributed by amateur radio operators.

Thank you for your continued support at this difficult time for the family of Alex, UA9YAB.

August 14, 2012:

An amazing response within the first 24 hours. DX World.net has now set aside a dedicated page for donations to be sent to the family of Alex. Listed is every operator who has helped so far in these hours of need. It is hoped many other ops also contribute to help offset body transportation and funeral costs.

Thank you for your kindness.

August 13, 2012:

Many will now know the sad news about the recent passing of Alex, UA9YAB.

Unfortunately, Alex did not take out insurance cover for his time away. Thus, his family urgently need assistance in raising funds to have his body returned to Russia from Venezuela, and for funeral arrangements.

Yuri Sushkin N3QQ and Yuri Zaruba UA9OBA issue the following:

Our colleague, Alex UA9YAB (50) who you may have worked very recently as YV7 and YV5/UA9YAB died during expedition. Cause of death is possibly a bite by poisonous jellyfish. He had no evacuation insurance and his family (wife Natalia and two young children) kindly ask for your help with body transportation costs.

Contact information, or any questions, to Yuri Zaruba UA9OBA nsi [at] lvs.ru +0117-(3833)-511-777 or Yuri Sushkin N3QQ n3qq [at] na-234.com +1(206)529-5168

Thank you very much for your help in this time of need.