Former ARRL New Mexico Section Manager William O. “Bill” Weatherford, KM5FT, of Albuquerque, died on April 5. He was 78. Weatherford, a retired US Foreign Service communications officer, was New Mexico SM from 2003 until 2007 and was an Assistant SM from 2001 until 2003.

Weatherford spent 35 years with the US Department of State, serving in 10 countries in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South America.

First licensed as a Novice in the early 1950s, Weatherford, an ARRL Life Member, returned to ham radio in 1965 and operated from several of his overseas postings. He retired in 1995. Weatherford was a US Air Force Veteran. Survivors include his wife, Judith. The family has invited memorial donations to Roadrunner Food Bank or Heifer International.