Aubrey Urquhart (VE1OL) of Quispamsis became "Silent Key" on February 10, 2026, at the age of 92, with 79 years of amateur radio qualification, having made numerous friends on the air over the years. He was active in almost every mode of radio that came along, always embracing new technology to keep in touch with all his friends.
Aubrey was a Founding Member of the International Repeater Group (IRG), and participated in work getting the earliest parts of the network on the air and helped serve on the Executive. He and other early members of the IRG were recognized at the 40th Anniversary of the IRG in 2014 (photo below).
He was an accomplished pilot and enjoyed a career as commercial radio operator with Trans Canada Air, and later as Air Canada station manager at Fredericton airport until retirement in 1984.
Aubrey is survived by his son Steven (VE9OL), and daughter Lisa Dunnett, and grandchildren.
Read more about the Urquhart "family of flyers" in this article in this B.C. Aviation Council publication:
A tradition of encouragement
Heath Stillman (VE9NHS) and Aubrey's niece Shauna now live in the Lincoln, NB homestead where Aubrey spent his teenage years as a young radio operator. Heath, former president of the Fredericton Amateur Radio Club, recalls when Aubrey found out that Heath had obtained his amateur license some 20 years ago.
"He was so excited to know that amateur radio would again be alive and well in the house he grew up in," Heath said of uncle Aubrey, who acquired his amateur qualifications at the age of 14. Back when the preferred mode for transmitting was AM, Aubrey had his station configured in his bedroom with a long wire running from the house to the chicken coop,
Heath got lots of advice and tips from Aubrey on how to operate, and even after nearly 79 years on the air, Aubrey encouraged the newer ham to try out new equipment and modes. During a visit with Shauna and her dad, Aubrey's younger brother David (who sadly passed away just this past July), Aubrey showed Heath his latest set-up. "He was just like a little kid and so excited to show me all of his equipment and suggested when I get home, I best get into Fusion, then explore FT-8, and buy a cheap DMR radio." Heath has taken some of that advice but still has a ways to go to match Aubrey's operating range.
"His passion for amateur radio was as pure as the sky is blue," said Heath.
The obituary can be found at https://www.kennebecasisfh.com/obituaries/Earle-Aubrey-Urquhart?obId=47220860
(With thanks to friends and family for the recollections and pictures)