Charles A. Higgins, W3CAU SK {Obit below} Charles A Higgins Provided by Cremation Society of Pennsylvania, Inc. Obituary Born: Tuesday, May 12, 1936 Died: Sunday, November 11, 2018 Charles A. Higgins, age 82, passed away suddenly but peacefully on Sunday, November 11, 2018, at his home in West Chester, PA. He was born on May 12,1936 in Philadelphia to Charles B. and Marguerite Y. (Taylor)Higgins. He grew up in Oakmont (Havertown) and attended the Oakmont Elementary school. He graduated from Haverford High School class of 1954. While there he found a passion that would carry him through his working career. As an engineer on the WHHS Radio station he had found one of his many callings. He went on to attend PhiladelphiaWireless and Temple University Technical Institute and had a47 year career in Radio & Television Broadcasting. He started at WCAU AM-FM-TV Ch 10, spent 5 years at WFIL AM-FM-TV Ch 6 and then returned to WCAU. After graduation and during his early work years he was also the technical advisor for WHHS. He trained and encouraged the next generation of engineers some who entered Broadcasting but many who went on to advanced degrees in engineering and worked in various professions from electrical to aerospace to academia. He was a passionate person who fought for his fellow technicians as a union officer and negotiated many contracts, walked picket lines and argued for those less vocal. Woe be the corporate executive who crossed him and landed up on the receiving end of one of his letters. He was never reticent to voice his opinion and was always sure it wa sright especially if it helped the little guy. Another joy was his1930 Model A Ford. His father was it’s original owner and he took his drivers test in that car. Stories abound about the car and the many uses it got put to, especially after he restored it with the help of friends and all the neighborhood kids. Charlie loved travel and took many trips both near and far. He had a way of acquiring friends on his travels. Once he acquired a friend he didn’t let go. A better correspondent you could not find. Letters traveled back and forth between London, Manchester, Perthshire, Brisbane, Christ Church and many others places. He loved the National Parks even if he didn’t believe in camping. Historic locations were always worthy of a visit. When the computer industry arrived he wasa hesitant joiner until he found his niche. No games or social media for him, but e-mail Oh Yes! Now he had the tool tokeep in touch with all his near and far flung friends. The ability to read newspapers from around the world and pass on interesting articles was perfect for him. When he retired from Broadcasting he had the opportunity to indulge in hobbies that he hadn’t time for before. He finally acquired his Ham license and W3CAU hit the air and became a Senior Life member of the Philadelphia Area Repeater Association(PARA). He visited the Battleship New Jersey BB62 and joined the ham club on board and in the process became adocent. He was a member of the Sunday Crew and for 13 years loved showing visitors around the ship. Although a proud veteran of 9 years in the PA National Guard and Reserves the BB62 docent crew made him an honorary sailor.His interests were varied and he also volunteered at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania in Strasburg. His specialty was the Steam Locomotive. Now he got to explain how the engines he saw as a boy worked. Charlie was a man who was always willing to help, if he had the expertise he offered it. Many a person, who became a friend, acquired his assistance with their computer. Then you became the recipient of e-mail articles that he thought you might enjoy. If you didn’t tell him to stop the flow could overwhelm. He was also a life long animal lover. He grew up with cats and then acquired a series of Siberian Husky’s that he loved. He always had a picture or a story of the latest thing that they had done. He married Dolores M (Rickards) in 1978 and they shared 41 cherished years together. He enjoyed life and did not wish for a formal funeral. Remember him for the truly wonderful man he was. Do a good deed in his memory. If you wish to make a donation in his memory the Salvation Army and the Brandywine Valley SPCA were his top favorites. https://www.cremationsocietyofpa.co...9597&cs=1cfbde544821606a2723204858d40829&ap=1
Data from Apr 07 1995 HamCall Database: Karl M. Wiegandt, W3CAU 4030 Hampshire Ct Allentown, PA 18104 License Class: General License Issue Date: Oct 24 1989 License Expiration Date: Oct 24 1999 FCC Last Transaction: M Birth Date: Jan 05 1903 KARL M. WIEGANDT, 94, PP&L; ELECTRICAL ENGINEER The Morning CallTHE MORNING CALL Karl M. Wiegandt, 94, of Allentown died Wednesday, May 14, 1997 in ManorCare Health Services, Salisbury. He was the husband of Irene F. (Knoll) Wiegandt and the late Mildred E. (Weiss) Wiegandt. He was employed by Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. for 42 years, working most of the time in Allentown. He retired as a regional engineer in the distribution section of the electrical engineering department in 1968. He was a licensed professional engineer and senior member of the International Electronic and Electrical Engineers. Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Frederick and Flora (Lutz) Wiegandt. He was a former member of the South Whitehall Township Planning Commission and its fire code appeal board. He was a member and former choir director and organist of First Baptist Church, Bethlehem. A member of Cetronia Fire Company and Lehigh County Fire Police Association, he was a life member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He was a member of the American Federation of Musicians Local 411, Allentown, having played with the former Hotel Bethlehem Concert Trio. Also, he was an orchestra leader at the former Globe Vaudeville Theater, Bethlehem. A licensed radio operator, Wiegandt was appointed Allentown radio aide in 1944. Survivors: Wife; son Marvin of Whitehall; a grandson; two great-grandchildren and three step-grandchildren and Services: Private. Call 7-8 p.m. Friday, J. S. Burkholder Funeral Home, 16th and Hamilton streets, Allentown. Contributions: American Heart Association or American Cancer Society, Lehigh Valley Unit. https://www.mcall.com/news/mc-xpm-1997-05-15-3146433-story.html
