Ralph JACQUEMIN

It is with much regret that we learn of the death of Ralph Jacquemin on May 13^th, 1999 at his home in Phoenix Arizona. He was a veteran of the Air Force in WW II having served in England and we always reminisced when we spoke the stamps and the past. He was a long fine Editor of the Bulletin for which the BCSC is most indebted. He was forced to give it up as his health deteriorated some years ago.

He served as an Editor of the Arizona Philatelist and was a Vice President of the American Association of Philatelic Exhibitors.

Ralph was an active Exhibitor and won many silver and gold medals at regional, national and international Exhibitions. Included among his many Belgian Congo exhibits were: The postal Stationery of the Belgian Congo; The Palms issues; Blocks of four and more/Congo 1894-1925; and Mols booklet pane stamps.

He was a veteran plater who had the distinction of plating one of the 5 centimes (either 1910 or 1915) by finding 50 postal cards on which each of the plate positions had been postally used-a truly remarkable feat.

Ralph also did the presentation/mounting of several grand award exhibits for other philatelists.

Ron Strawser, who assisted your Editor in this report, states "He was a good friend always willing to help other collectors and his home was always open to visiting BCSC members" and that he had the pleasure of working with Ralph on numerous occasions.

EML