kb9scb
08-21-2002, 07:04 AM
The East Central Indiana Repeater Association lost two of it's founding members in the last 3 weeks. Richard Shelton N6RS, and Mel Martin K9PQP. Mel was involved in the ARRL as a EC and was the trustee on the 147.000 repeater in Rush County Indiana. His Double O Repeater was one of the first coordinated repeaters in Indiana having been on the air for over thirty years. Mel and Richard Elmered many Amatures over the years myself being one. There voice and call will be sadly missed over the airwaves by those of us who knew and loved them.
K9PQP #May he rest in peace. #While I have not been active on the bands for a few years, I must give Mel Martin credit for my continued interest in ham radio. #Had it not been for his influience I probably would not have returned to the air. #And here is the strange thing. #Mel and I had not talked for many years as I became busy with other things, but when I decided to buy a radio I thought of Mel and the Icom radio he had when I became inactive and I wanted one like Mel had. #When I did return to the air I gave Mel a call and it was as if I had never been away, he was like that.
Mel was a guiding force for many hams, and soon to be hams. #He had the best repeater around because he worked at it. #I just wish some of the new hams could have seen that. #He had help but he was the driving force. #If anyone had any questions about ham radio in the Rushville area Mel was the one to see. #In closing #I would like to say thank you Mel and say that we will remember you for many things, and for all the things you have done for amateur radio and local hams in particular. # # KK9B John Bailey