Howard Lester passed away this month after a period of declining health where he was still able to maintain his ability to communicate.  He was known as the man to contact with any communication problem.  His professional achievements were well known in the world of electronics, as was his avocation as an amateur radio operator.

   He was a well-known figure in Alplaus, where he joined the Fire Company in 1956 and served several positions, especially as Fire Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners. Howard could be relied upon to provide communication with his associates from the Schenectady Amateur Radio Association for local functions from the annual Fourth of July Parade to keeping track of the levels of the Mohawk River at flood time.

   He pioneered in many aspects of radio.  One can recall that he had mobile radio in his car, long before the CB craze!  This also had a rather unique antenna installation, which made his car easy to recognize.

   His wife of sixty-five years, Ruth, four sons Carl, Donald, David and Eric, eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren survive Howard.

   A U.S. Navy veteran of WWII, he was buried in the Gerald Solomon National Cemetery in Schuylerville, NY

May 2007 HTN by Bob Culver