From Joe, K1JT, we received the sad news that Bill Somerville, G4WJS, died suddenly and unexpectedly a few days ago. He was only about 65 years old.
Bill was the first to join Joe in in 2013 forming a core development group for WSJT‑X. Joe: “Bill has been closely involved with WSJT‑X and related software projects ever since. Our free, open-source software could not have achieved its extensive worldwide popularity and influence in ham radio without Bill’s essential contributions. In addition to writing code for important portions of the Qt-based user interface for WSJT‑X, Bill helped to bring the overall program structure more nearly up to professional standards. Moreover, he devoted countless hours to program support, patiently answering user’s questions on WSJT-related forums.
I have only started to think about the many ways in which I will miss Bill — not no mention how we all will miss his immense and positive impact on WSJT‑X and related projects. For more than eight years Bill and I communicated closely and regularly on ham radio topics, sometimes many times per day. Perhaps I will be able to write more about it in the near future.
Rest in peace, dear friend G4WJS.
–Joe, K1JT”
Photo shows Joe K1JT ® and Bill G4WJS (L) with Nick Henwood, G3RWF [Source: RSGB Twitter Account]