My dad, John Lewis Place, was dedicated to the community he served for most of his life in government service. As a computer programmer he spent several years in data processing at the Naval Weapons Station before joining the Emergency Operations Center in Dorchester County where he assisted in communications.

HAM radio wasn't just a hobby, it was a large part of his life and he spent a great deal of time maintaining the local area repeaters so that communications were not interrupted. It was an integral part of his local service during natural disasters like hurricanes and floods.

My dad is remembered fondly by everyone he touched. His friends and family remember his bold sense of humor and remarkable attachment to his faith. My mother, his wife, is greatly distressed at having lost her life's love. She will mostly miss his presence by her side daily. As one person said, "They were joined at the hip."