Dave Phelps

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cla...@s-i-g-h.com

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Jul 1, 2024, 5:19:01 PM7/1/24
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It is with great regret that I pass on the news of the passing of Dave Phelps on Saturday.

For those of you who are new to the club Dave has been doing the “What’s Up “ at our meetings since February this year.


Dave was a deeply knowledgeable amateur astronomer who loved the tried and true methods of charts and memory.

He was always willing to step up and assist with anything that needed the club’s attention.

I very much enjoyed working with Dave these last few months and had many wonderful conversations via phone and email.

Dave, you will be missed.
Clark Williams
Sent from my iPhone

John Garrett

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Jul 1, 2024, 5:48:33 PM7/1/24
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I'm sorry to hear the news of Dave Phelps. As Clark said, Dave did step up
where needed, which is how I was able to spend some time with him at a few
of our TVA events. We've lost a friend.

John G
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debia...@gmail.com

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Jul 1, 2024, 6:21:46 PM7/1/24
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So sorry to hear this. Dave was such an integral part of TVA.

Debi the J

-----Original Message-----
From: tvastr...@googlegroups.com <tvastr...@googlegroups.com> On Behalf Of cla...@s-i-g-h.com
Sent: Monday, July 1, 2024 2:19 PM
To: TVA <tvastr...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: [TVAstro] Dave Phelps

Rick Gonzales

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Jul 1, 2024, 6:22:58 PM7/1/24
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Awe man, sad news

Mark Baker

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Jul 1, 2024, 6:29:12 PM7/1/24
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I spoke with his wife, Hap, before letting Clark know… she wanted to convey her gratitude to TVA for giving Dave much joy while sharing our mutual love of things Celestial. I always enjoyed our chats over the years and appreciated his support at Western Science Center science days and at Joshua Tree NP…
RIP, Dave… you did good!!!
Please feel free to extend condolences to Hap…

Mark Baker
951-691-0101
KN6CQR
President Emeritus, Temecula Valley Astronomers
Solar System Ambassador, NASA / JPL
Docent, CalTech Palomar Observatory
Citizen Scientist Emeritus, Planetary Defense Coordinating Office


Sharon Smith

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Jul 1, 2024, 6:31:47 PM7/1/24
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Very sad news. Dave's regular monthly contribution to the club newsletter will be greatly missed.  His articles were so informative.

Sharon

Jim Sappington

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Jul 1, 2024, 7:42:32 PM7/1/24
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Very sorry to hear this. Though sometimes the Zoom format presented some challenges for his What's Up segment, he always persisted in delivering!
RIP Dave. 
Jim


On Mon, Jul 1, 2024 at 2:19 PM Cla...@s-I-g-h.com <cla...@s-i-g-h.com> wrote:

Marylin Loritsch

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Jul 1, 2024, 10:42:25 PM7/1/24
to Jim Sappington, cla...@s-i-g-h.com, TVA
This is such sad news. He was a lovely man. May he rest in peace. Sending my love to his family!

Mark Baker

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Jul 2, 2024, 9:32:25 PM7/2/24
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A couple of fond memories of Dave Phelps at the Night Sky Fest at Joshua Tree NP… will miss your enthusiasm for the heavens, but you now get a better perspective of them!!! Thanks, Dave…

elvira hernandez

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Jul 2, 2024, 9:49:30 PM7/2/24
to Mark Baker, Tvastronomers
Such sad news :( Dave’s passion for astronomy will always be remembered. My deepest condolences. 

Elvira 

On Jul 2, 2024, at 6:32 PM, Mark Baker <shkn...@gmail.com> wrote:


A couple of fond memories of Dave Phelps at the Night Sky Fest at Joshua Tree NP… will miss your enthusiasm for the heavens, but you now get a better perspective of them!!! Thanks, Dave…

<IMG_3834.jpg>
<IMG_3835.jpg>


Mark Baker
951-691-0101
KN6CQR
President Emeritus, Temecula Valley Astronomers
Solar System Ambassador, NASA / JPL
Docent, CalTech Palomar Observatory
Citizen Scientist Emeritus, Planetary Defense Coordinating Office

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Deb C

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Jul 3, 2024, 3:26:44 PM7/3/24
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Marylin, I remember there was one meeting a while back when you attended, and Dave said to me, " Can you please check on her and see if she has any questions. I remember how special it felt when I first joined and all of you were so welcoming"
Yes.. that stuck in my head. You were fairly new then at the meetings but it wasn't your first time though.


s...@samsastro.com

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Jul 3, 2024, 3:37:06 PM7/3/24
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Sad loss, Dave Loved the Stars and sharing his knowledge with others.
He always tried to help new astronomers.

Think of him next time you look up at the stars...

Sam

Dave Ng

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Jul 3, 2024, 3:56:03 PM7/3/24
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This past November, TVA was at a Solar event at the Santa Rosa Plateau.  It was very hot, the display/setup area was away from the parking lot and we had no shade.  Dave showed up ready to give it his all anyway but John G. & I eventually talked him out of staying.  He was passionate about all things astronomy and  his willingness to participate in those conditions illustrated that.  His enthusiasm was inspiring.

Thanks,
Dave


On Monday, July 1, 2024 at 02:19:02 PM PDT, Cla...@s-I-g-h.com <cla...@s-i-g-h.com> wrote:


John Garrett

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Jul 3, 2024, 4:00:31 PM7/3/24
to Dave Ng, TVA, cla...@s-i-g-h.com
I shared the news of Dave with Dave Larson, the Joshua Tree National Park ranger who coordinates their star parties. Here's his response:

"I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Dave Phelps. Thank you for letting me know. He was so happy a year ago when he received one of those framed appreciation certificates at last year's festival. I have good memories of Dave."

~Dave Larson



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