I was genuinely shocked to read this news. In a minute, I understood that Deb would have wanted as few people as possible to know that she was ill. To say that she had a “remarkable spirit and direct approach to life” only touches the surface. I can’t think of a single ARRL employee with a more fierce devotion and commitment to the League. She was a force which kept our advertising, and our advertisers, going when few others could. She will be missed by the wide community of those whose lives and businesses she touched. Please express the condolences of the Board, not only to her family, but to all her HQ colleagues. Deb helped all amateurs, whether they knew it or not, and in ways that most would barely suspect. She was truly one of a kind. Sadly, Greg, K0GW On Sunday, May 20, 2018, Shelley, Barry, N1VXY (CEO) <bshelley@arrl.org> wrote:
We received word today, and it is with tremendous sadness that I must inform you, that Debra Jahnke, K1DAJ, long time staffer and Business Services Manager, passed away on Thursday afternoon. Her family was by her side. Deb was 66 years old.
Debra began working at ARRL in 1979, beginning as a file clerk. Over her 39-year career with ARRL, Debra went on to serve as ARRL Deputy Circulation Manager, Circulation Manager, Publication Sales and Warehouse Manager, and as Business Services Manager (including Advertising). Debra met her husband of 31 years, Bart (W9JJ - currently serving as ARRL Contest Branch Manager) at ARRL. Debra is survived by Bart and their two daughters, Samantha and Ashley. Debra loved the outdoors, including sharing time with family in her flower garden, and with their dogs and horses.
Those of us who knew Deb will miss her remarkable spirit and direct approach to both the work of the ARRL and life.
The family requests that contributions can be made in Deb’s name to the American Cancer Society, the Shriners' or St Jude's Children's Hospitals. No public services are planned at this time.
This is a tremendous loss for the ARRL.
73,
Barry J. Shelley, N1VXY Chief Executive Officer ARRL, Inc.