It is with great sadness that we advise of the passing of John (Jack) Wood, formerly of
Muswellbrook Post. Jack was aged 97.
In 1978, Jack and John Manton who were both ex-soldiers attended a radio field day in
Gosford. After attending the field day both went to a cafe where they met up with some
members of the newly formed CREST NSW. It was from this meeting that Jack and John
formed CREST NSW in Muswellbrook – initially as a Post attached to Newcastle Division.
Muswellbrook in time would become a Division in its own right and a decade later reverted
back to a state Post until the end.
Like many CB radio operators at the time, Jack was an operator from the pre-legalisation
days. Also in 1978, CB radio was legalised in Australia and Jack wasted no time in filling
out a licence application form. The Post Master General’s Office issued Jack the callsign
NAA054, the 54th allocation in NSW.
Following life as a soldier, Jack became a bridge builder with the government railways
department and was a part of a team that built many bridges between Muswellbrook and
Newcastle.
As a CREST member, Jack enjoyed the fellowship at State Council meetings as well as
going out in to the field for communications related activities. The RTA Big Rides of days
gone by he especially look forwarded to. He earned the nickname “Gelignite Jack” in 1993
when he exploded his airbed with a 12V electric pump from being distracted by someone
elses troubles.
Considered a fair weathered sailor, his actions have made us laugh over the years and we
will continue to laugh for years to come. He will not be forgotten