What is a Silent Key?
Silent Key is a term of respect for a deceased amateur radio operator. The key in the term refers to a telegraph key, the instrument that all early amateur radio operators, as well as many contemporary amateur radio operators, have used to send Morse code.
Bill Silva (KA6FKK) | “Colusa Bill”
On September 20th, 2024, “Colusa Bill” (KA6FKK) passed away due to complications from a stroke.
From dialing around 40M to hearing him participate on our weekly net, that BIG voice was unmistakable. Being the sole caretaker of his mom, it was hard for Bill to attend many events. He made a special trip to Hamfest in Loomis last March to meet me (Smitty WB1G) and it was great to put a face with the voice. Bill’s voice, laugh, and calm demeanor will certainly be missed.
Otis Harris (KG6TDR)
On 3 September 2018 Otis Harris (KG6TDR) became a Silent Key (SK). Otis was very instrumental in the start-up operations of the Glenn Amateur Radio Society. He provided guidance, direction , and principled discourse with the founding board members. Otis will, and already is, missed on the airwaves.
For those that want to leave a memorial for Otis Harris (KG6TDR) please go to this link. Otis’s family has set-up this site for all to share and leave a tribute to Otis.
https://www.forevermissed.com/otis-harris/#about
John Post (AG7J)
It is with great sadness and heaviness of heart that I report to you the passing of John Post (AG7J). John became a Silent key on the 15th of January. I shall remember John for his steadfast love of Amateur Radio and his gentle nature. John was well loved and shall be remembered by many for his support and encouragements. John loved Amateur Radio and loved to teach radio theory classes. He had a special love for mathematics! Our sincere condolences and prayers go toward Dorothy and John’s family in their time of loss and sorrow.
Faustino (Stino) Bassetti (KJ6NEX)
It is with great sadness and heaviness of heart that I report to you the passing of Faustino “Stino” Bassetti (KJ7NEX). Stino became a Silent key on the 8th of October 2020.
Janey Keim (N6NEB)
It is with great sadness and heaviness of heart that I report to you the passing of Janey Keim (N6NEB). Janey became a Silent key on the DOD not known, 2021.