[BC] Michael A Tondreau

[Larry Bloomfield]

It is with the deepest regret that I convey to you the passing of 
Michael A Tondreau, Vice President of Engineering of Oregon Public 
Broadcasting this Tuesday, January 30th. Mike was in a battle with 
cancer the last few months.

He had been at OPB, or it's predecessors for 42 years. He was active in 
the expansion of our public broadcasting service from its humble roots 
at KOAC in Corvallis to the present facilities that include 5 TV and DTV 
stations, 40 TV translators, 6 full service FM stations, 1 AM station, 
18 FM translators, and almost 1,000 miles of terrestrial microwave. Mike 
guided the Engineering department during the difficult transition from a 
State agency to the successful private non-profit organization we all 
recognize today.

Mike was instrumental in the construction of one of the first digital TV 
stations in the country, which was built on an Experimental license in 
1997.

He served for many years on the PBS Engineering Committee. Mike was well 
liked and respected by all of his peers. He was a genuine nice guy. He 
had a special ability to take a complex subject and explain it to 
non-technical people in a clear and understandable way.

He was an Amateur Extra class operator, licensed W7BBR, and trustee of 
the OPB Amateur Radio Club call sign, K7OPB... Mike really enjoyed CW 
and was a "true" Extra having passed the 20 wpm code exam years ago.

Those are just some random thoughts. Mike was host to the Taste of NAB 
2005 Road Show in his facilities in Portland. We here in Oregon and 
those who knew him will truly miss him...

No firm Memorial Service plans have been issued, but would expect 
something occur within the next two weeks..


-- 

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Larry Bloomfield, KA6UTC
1980 25th St.
Florence, OR 97439
(541) 902-2424 ? Everything
http://www.Tech-Notes.tv
See you on the Taste of
NAB 2007 Road Show