I never had the pleasure to meet Mr. Abbott but his obituary was brought to my attention by my 14 year old daughter, Nicole K0LEY.  She knew that the passing of a fellow ham radio operator would be of interest to me.  I am also an electrician and a guitar player.  Not so much a guitar player anymore but I would not think of selling my Les Paul or my Marshall amplifier as I want Nicole to have them someday (K0LEY is her ham radio call sign and her nickname as well).  Amateur Radio Operators share a brother and sisterhood that is exceeded by few, if any at all.  None of us are strangers to each other even though we may have never met.  Any of you that have ever listened to Mr. Abbott working the world from his 'hamshack' may have noticed that he has friends all over the globe that he has never met and had little chance of ever meeting albeit on the air.  Although I have not had the opportunity to meet or talk to him, the news of his passing made my heart heavy.  The loss of a fellow ham brings sadness to me no matter if friend or stranger, even though in ham radio there are no strangers, just stations not yet worked.  My sincere condolences to the family.  And to Mr. Abbott...73 OM de K8MHZ, AKA Mark Derby, Journeyman Electrician, Extra Class Amateur Radio Operator, Instructor, MAARC Continuing Education Program.  Hope to catch you on down the Log of Eternity.  I hope you enjoy your new station On High.##imported-begin##Mark Derby K8MHZ##imported-end##