Joseph Frances Ptacnik 1937- ….
Joseph Frances Ptacnik 1937- 2021 “Not just another Joe” We are saddened by the loss of a dear friend, Joseph Frances Ptacnik. He was a proud father to Joe, Jim and Ann Horton and grandfather to Michael. He was known to most of his amateur radio friends as N6JAJ (Just Another Joe), though he was not just another Joe.
His career took him to Litton Company, where he worked on communication equipment for Naval ships. Then he worked in Bellview, Washington, building and troubleshooting highly technical machines. He became a technical expert during his career. When he moved to Leisure World in 2005, he was generous with his time and knowledge of electronics, working with the LW Radio Club, Veterans Radio Club and Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES).
He taught solder and antenna construction. His diligence to detail in design and fabrication was admired. He held classes in his home and tutored radio technology, helping many individuals pass their licensing exams. He participated in an Emergency Operational Drills at the Naval station as lead operator, transmitting emergency messages to hospitals.
Joe had many hobbies. He loved helping others. He was a Boy Scout leader with Chuck Blankenship for the Flaming Arrow troop. He spent many hours with metal detecting devices, a skill he taught to his sons, grandson and friends.
He loved boating, having lived on a boat for five years with his family. He was such a good fisherman and taught his sons the fine art, which inspired one of them to start a business selling custom-made fishing rods.
His best know, attribute was his spiritual side. He attended University Baptist Church and participated in Wednesday Bible study. He attended special beachside services on Sundays, where he would meditate on the wonders of the universe. A generous man, he would provide many neighbors and friends special Christmas gifts fabricated from recycled wine bottles and fitted with strings of lights.
This year, they will all glow a bit brighter in his memory.
-paid obituary
