Who is the Oldest Living Amateur Operator?

Who is the Oldest Living Amateur Operator? #Who is the longest Licensed Amateur Radio Operator? #Both these question came to me after a QSO with W5BQU, "Tex" Burdick Sr. of El Paso, TX. #Tex is 102 years old. #Personally, from my recollections, this is the oldest HAM I have ever had the pleasure to QSO with.

Do you know anyone older? #Who was the oldest HAM you have ever had a contact with? #Who is the longest licensed Amateur still living?

QRZ STAFF

[w2gck]

I don't know who the oldest ham is either, but I do know that one of the most enjoyable ragchews I ever had was also with Tex W5BQU on December 27, 2002 on 15 meters. #If Tex isn't the oldest ham, he is certainly the "youngest, oldest ham". # If you read this Tex, I #hope to work you again many times for many years. As Red said "Laugh a little, enjoy life"!!

73's

George W2GCK

[w5hx]

I, too, believe Dubya 5 Big Quick 'n Ugly is right up there at the top of the list. He has a great signal, too. Hey, Tex, where have you been? Haven't heard you lately.

[W4ZG]

In 1955 Tex, W5BQU sent me his QSL card ..I was a SWL...14 yrs old...39yrs later I also had the pleasure
to work Tex for our 1st QSO...at that time, in 1994, he said that he had been on the air 63 yrs and was 93 yrs old...his
1st QSL card had a $0.02 stamp...his card from 94 was $0.19....Great guy and glad to hear he's still crank'n out the RF!!!!

[N7CPC]

As of the end of work today, I AM! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[K9IIK]

I wonder why Tex W5QBU the oldest ham at 102 years is not in the QRZ or FCC data bases. I hope nothing happened to him.?

[g0wkw]

Hi, guys,

Tex's call is W5BQU - just wanted to clarify the issue. I worked him in Dec 2000 on 10 meters when he was 100 - also remember him calling me "a young squirt" - what a great guy! He is the oldest ham I ever had a QSO with. I also read that VK4HA (Harry) was 106 or 107 when he died couple of years ago.

73s de Vic

[KC8OZJ]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (jb @ Jan. 30 2003,17:36)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I, too, believe Dubya 5 Big Quick 'n Ugly is right up there at the top of the list. #He has a great signal, too. #Hey, Tex, where have you been? #Haven't heard you lately.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I heard Tex on 10 Meters on 28.410 on around January 27th or 28th not sure. Very nice signal and he sounds good! # KC8OZJ.

[K8UPA]

Talked with Tex a couple weeks back, he just got his first computer and is trying to figure out how to drive it. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? Way to go Tex http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

73

[K9DI]

Hi gang,
Wayne K9DI es Leader Dog Sequoia here. I have never had the pleasure of working W5BQU, but shortly after my upgrade to General in fall 2000 I listened in on a QSO Tex had with a gentleman back East on 17M. I waited ever so patiently hoping to "tailend" the QSO es snag Tex, unfortunately, for me, Tex was called to lunch before I could QSO with him. My point? I heard Tex mentioning that he had first been licensed in 1930. I thought to myself, WOW!! A fellow that actually "grew up" with radio. Imagine the yarns he could spin about the ham pioneers he knew personally!!
Tex, if you read this I'd love to QSO with you, although, my operating habits have changed a bit. I am not too good at it yet, but I love QRP CW! However, would be honored to work you any band, any mode.
73/72
de
Wayne K9DI es Leader Dog Sequoia
P.S. Yes "Leader Dog Sequoia" means I am blind and work with a dog guide. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[K8UPA]

Forgot to mention that Tex did tell me that not too long ago he did have a face to face with someone from the ARRL and was given a certificate by the league officially stating he is the oldest living ham.
73

[N0YD]

Hi to all and especially to "Tex" old "Big Quick and Ugly":

In my ham career, "Tex" W5BQU (Big, Quick and Ugly) is the oldest ham I've come across. He told me he has been a ham for 72 years. I told him that I had been a ham for 50 years. In the QSL card Tex sent me he said he enjoyed talking to this "Young Squirt." I haven't been called that in a while.

Contrary to one post that asked why Tex is not on QRZ.com, he is, in fact, in QRZ.com database.

He is really a joy to talk to. He has many jokes to tell you and stories about his lifelong career as a Windmill salesman and builder. In fact, there is a book writen about him and his windmill career. You can see it on Amazon.com The title is: #"Blades in the Sky: Windmilling Through the Eyes of B.H. "Tex" Burdick"
Here is the web site for it:
http://www.amazon.com/exec....528963. (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0896722945/qid%3D1044029984/sr%3D11-1/ref%3Dsr%5F11%5F1/102-0139420-1528963.)

And he always signs off with these words: "May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live."

Another person I've talked to and received a QSL from is L.D. "Del" Freret, W4KB, #who told me that he has been a ham for 75 years. You can find Del hanging out with the International airline net on 14.280.

These two gentlemen and, I'm sure, many others are an inspiration to hams both young and old, #a credit to our ham radio hobby and really fun to talk to.

There ought to be an award called: WAOT (Worked All Old Timers)

Tom, N0YD "Yankee Doodle"
(A Young Squirt per "Tex")

[K6TBR]

I had the enjoyable honor of working the gentleman just this week on 20M where he told me not only of his ripe old age and windmill adventures, but of his "Honey" who not only works the new computer mentioned in another post and 'zips' Tex's QSL cards out, but also tends to his more mundane everyday needs which he described as being, 'embarrassing' when they go out.

His 'honey' and he have been married for 52 years, he said, and they married after their respective first spouses had passed away. Obviously Tex's callsign is a shared one, if his XYL doesn't have her own ticket, and she should really be admired as being such a distinguished ham's 'right hand'.

So we learn that old age is to be looked forward to and that no matter what condition we may find ourselves in our "sunset years", there will be countless others for us to meet and influence with our wealth of experience and wisdom - the way Tex has touched this writer's life, another "young squirt" in this sea of humanity. "You may as well make life fun and interesting", he exclaimed. I agree!

73 and God bless OM, and OM's everywhere!

[g0wkw]

Hi, again,

came across an article stating that KC7MWB is Idaho's oldest radioham - she'll be 100 this April

Vic http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[KB9OWD]

Read the posts in reference to Tex, W5BQU as I logged on to QRZ today. I am 22 years old and have been licensed since age 16. Back in November, while calling CQ on 10 meters on 28.417, I had the pleasure of having 2 calls come back at the time, a VE7 and who else but W5BQU. Had the opportunity to have about an hour and a half 3 way QSO. I must say, what a pleasure to hear Tex and work him. I had the same pleasure on the same frequency about a week later to give a CQ and have Tex come back again. And as Tex promised, he sends a QSL to all his first time contacts. Without delay about a week later, I had the privilege to add the W5BQU Qsl Card to my wall. Although I often rag chew and had never given any thought to the ARRL Rag Chewers Club, afterwards, I thought what a way to put up the Rag Chewers Club certificate than a QSO with Tex. The QSO with Tex now hangs on my wall also as the qualifying QSO for RCC. If you have the chance, by all means have a QSO with Tex!! He is a wonderful man with many great stories to share. I will end with Tex's ending quote on both our QSO's, "May you live as long as you want, and never want as long as you live".

73 all --- Ryan KB9OWD

[wx4qn]

W5BQU - Ham of the Century

The most polite operator you will ever have the privilege to meet.
Tex always asks "Have you received my card yet, if not we'll send one today."
By all means, make it a goal to talk with him.
You will remember and treasure the conversation for as long as you live.

[n2ktt]

I had the pleasure of working Tex a few times. Got his card of his house and the near by cantina with a dotted line connecting the two. Loved the stories he would tell. Hope to work him again soon!

[K9DI]

Hello agn,
Wayne K9DI es Leader Dog Sequoia here. I had The QSO of a lifetime!!! This evening I had the great pleasure to work "Tex" W5BGU on 20 metres!!
I've been wanting to QSO with him since October 2000. We talked for a bit and Tex was kind enough to talk with my 7 year old daughter. She was so excited, she jumped up es down like a basketball. Tex and his "honey" are a class act.
73/72

Who is the oldest Amateur??? Well, my vote goes to W5BQU!!! Met him, indirectly, as an swl in 1959. My ticket came in 1961, but our first qso came in 1975. Then, a number of times after that, on various bands. I'd like to enhance your question. Who is the boldest amateur??? I'd vote for the same dude. Tex is not one to hide his age. He's proud of it. He's not one to look for an argument on the air waves, he'd rather make you laugh. He doesn't cut down other people who QRM near his frequency he says, "I'll just talk in between their words." Tex is a true ham radio operator who sticks up for what he believes in and sets a tremendous example for all operators worldwide. Thanks Tex for the many lessons I've learned from you. If the rest of you think you're too little to make a difference...you haven't been in bed with a mosquito!! 73 Zed K0NNN

[k3rer]

.... and let's not forget Tex's little jokes. He always has
one to tell during a QSO. #

-rex #K3RER

[KF6TTR]

Hello!
The oldest ham that I know is Jim Young W7JL born April 14, 1911 has been active as a Ham for 77 years. Is a Life time member of The associated Radio Amateurs Of Long Beach, Inc. ARALB/W6RO Lives in Florida at this time. He loves to hear from old friends so send him a message if you know him, or would like to contact him.

73 John KF6TTR

[kt6k]

I know I'm not the oldest, but some mornings I wake up and sure feel like it! Anyone else have that problem? :o)

[w6th]

Congrats to you Tex. #Been saying for many years that I wanted to live to be 84 and get killed by a jealous husband. That has changed now after reading about you Tex. #I do not believe we have worked before and if not will be looking forward to it.

# # # # # # # # # # 73 Tex,
# # # # # # # # # # Vito # W6th.

[N2TZV]

On the fifth of November 2002 I had the distinct pleasure to QSO with Tex on 28.368 MHZ, and it was magic to speak to a wise, comfortable, unrushed and unstressed elder statesman, and I envied him the latter part. Even amateurs these days seem to scream info as quick as possible so that they can move on to something else. Just like the world. Tex and I talked till he got tired of talking, or too tired to talk!HI! Wonderful person, and I've looked for him since then, as I enjoyed being called a young squirt at 50!!
73 all,
Paul...N2TZV

[K2CX]

To all,

We have found him! B. H. "Tex" Burdick, W5BQU may very well be the oldest active amateur operator in the US. I have seen a copy of his birth certificate confirming his birth date of September 25, 1900.

I believe that Tex might be referring to myself as the ARRL person he met mentioned in K8UPA's post. Although not an official League representative, I traveled to El Paso and visited Tex on September 24, 2002 a day before his 102nd birthday. I met his family and then interviewed him making both Video and Audio recordings. Since then I have been working on a piece about W5BQU. Currently I am putting the final touches on the article.

I am interested in anyone who has been in contact with Tex in the past and might add to the story for me. It would be appreciated if you could send an e-mail relating your experiences. I for one believe that "Old Timers" such as Tex have interesting stories to tell regarding ham radio and deserve recognition for their life accomplishments. Look for my article in one of the major amateur publications in the near future.

BEST REGARDS,

Steve Barreres - K2CX
k2cx - at - arrl.net

I had the pleasure of a 40m SSB QSO with Tex a few years ago when he was only 98 years old. # (That same day I had a QSO with a newly licensed 12yr old YL).
Those are still the oldest and youngest hams I've talked to, and doing it on the same day was pretty neat!

Within the last year I saw Tex mentioned in QST, seems it was regarding a QSO during a Kids Day event. #

Searching on yahoo I found a lot of info about him. # Amateur Radio needs more like him!!!
See Where Ole Tex Shows up! (http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=w5bqu) #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Ole Tex Sure gets around and has done a lot for our hobby!

Tex may not be the oldest Active Ham, but he ranks up there among the best!!!!

On the QSL Card he sent me, he added a map showing me where he crosses over into Mexico hihi

I look forward to my next QSO with him!

[K9NYO]

I had the pleasure of working ol' W5-Big-Quick-and-Ugly this past summer...I think it was in June `02...and it was one of the most enjoyable ragchews I ever had.

One note that nobody brought up: #Tex mentioned that he had gotten into ham radio late in life--unlike his contemporaries who had been hams since they were kids. #Tex said that he was around 30 years-old when he started...and he's been a ham for 72 years!

He talked about working around the west putting up windmills. #He had a crew that he managed, and he described the quarters they would bunk in and the food they would eat...on enamel plates with tin cups.

I particularly enjoyed the story about his QSL card...the same design he's been sending since the 1930's prohibition era. #I can't do the story justice--you'll have to hear him tell it.

What a nice guy. #Since I talked to Tex, when I think about ham radio, Tex is one of the things I think about. #I hope everyone reading this gets a chance to work Tex Burdick--our Grand OM of Amateur Radio.

73 DE K9NYO

[w2mh]

[B]I had the pleasure of working W5 BIG QUICK UGlY, on Nov.28th 1993. And what a pleasure it was. Fabulous man with his words and adventures. he was 93 at the time and we talked abt. his trips to Alaska even at that age. I was amazed to say the least. As most all others I got my QSL card thanking me for the 100% proof QSO. And of course being set in words as a YOUNG SQUIRT. Maybe one day I will be able to work him agn. Till then Tex, may god bless you and your honey, will look for you down the log.. # # # # # # # #

Best regards
Norm/W2MH
One of the young Squirts

[ae4n]

My friend Al Maser - K4HIU will be 92 years old this year and was first licensed in December of 1930. 73 years ago this year. Still active and sharp as a tack.

73,
Hugh - AE4N

[iz7ecb]

Congrats Tex!
We have also I1BDP, Enrico Della Grisa,
born on 20/09/1903, the oldest member of the INTERNATIONAL PHARMACISTS HAM GROUP.

73 Andrea, IZ7ECB
INTERNATIONAL PHARMACISTS HAM GROUP (IPHG) (http://www.malpensa.it/iphg/index.htm)

[k2lck]

wasnt BQU also pictured in QST standing with his hands in his pockets on Ranger Peak, Franklin Mt, El Paso in the early 60's also?

[W2CZ]

I had a QSO with W5BQU and he's the most senior ham I have talked with.....did I also say "Big Quick and Ugly" is probably the nicest also!

[wa3ijc]

I had a very enjoyable QSO with TWX on 11/26/02. He said on his QSL card that he liked to work you young squirts (I am 69). The QSL was designed in 1937 and he still uses the same plate. Being new to HF I really appreciated the half hour QSO with this master of the airwaves.

73

Bob WA3IJC

[kf3cd]

I worked Tex when he was 100, on 10 meters from my mobile and am really happy to know that he is still active! It has to be one of the most enjoyable and memorable QSO's I've ever had! and the QSL is great and to hear him tell the story is even better! I sure hope that we see the article by K2CX in QST!

[aa1mn]

Grandpa Simpson.

It has to be.

[ag4rc]

I worked W5BQU on ten meters last year when I was first licenced. Very interesting QSO with a one of Amateur Radio's best!

73 - Peter

[WA7RCT]

I worked Tex sometime in the early 70's. #I told him that my mother lived in El Paso and he offered to run a phone patch for me. #She was very excited to get the call and quite amazed that we could do this via ham radio. #Later that year I was in El Paso to visit my mother and gave Tex a call. #He invited me and my family over to visit his shack. #What a gracious host! #This is probably one of my most memorable moments as a ham. #I remember hand delivering my QSL card to him. #I heard him a couple of months ago on 10 meters but was unable to make contact with him. #I would really like to find him on the air again and ask him if he remembers my visit some 30 years ago.

Best wishes to you Tex, and thanks for a fond memory to a then young ham.

Cleon, WA7RCT

I had a great QSO with Tex just a couple of weeks ago on ten metres. What and interesting character. Got his qsl card a week later. Sure hope I work him again soon

Mike VE3FGU

[KC9CTK]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (QRZ STAFF @ Jan. 30 2003,15:22)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Who is the Oldest Living Amateur Operator? #Who is the longest Licensed Amateur Radio Operator? #Both these question came to me after a QSO with W5BQU, "Tex" Burdick Sr. of El Paso, TX. #Tex is 102 years old. #Personally, from my recollections, this is the oldest HAM I have ever had the pleasure to QSO with.

Do you know anyone older? #Who was the oldest HAM you have ever had a contact with? #Who is the longest licensed Amateur still living?

QRZ STAFF[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Here in the Marinette, WI area we have a Ham operator that will be 102 tomorrow (2-4-03). He is Mike W8HKY and checks in to the local net on sunday nights regulary.

[KD4POJ]

I also had a very interesting QSO with Tex! He is a warn and friendly man with a great sense of humor. Though to some of the yourng HAM his humor is a bit dated. But I can tell you that you will enjoy every minute of it!!! Tex is now the oldest HAM that I have had the pleasure ragchewing with!

I am still awaiting his card and I am sure it will be placed with my most prized cards.

I sure hope that I get a chance to talk with him again and hope that I will live as long.

Dwayne
KD4POJ

[kj7vj]

[B]Well until December 11th,2002 Tex may have been the oldest, but my friend REGGIE HOSKINS W7ROL here in Spokane who passed away might have been licensed the longest. He received his first license in 1919 he said by the Dept Of Commerce and if my math is right he would have been licensed 83 years and he was 99 years old about the time of his death. If anyone has been licensed longer I sure would like to hear about them? Reggie was still driving at age 99 and living alone in his home, there is some confusion even about his age which could have actually been 100. Anyway great hams are and were Tex and Reg. Rest in peace Reggie.

Your Friend
Michael
KJ7VJ

[w9wme]

I had the pleasure to talk to Tex many times on ten meters.He is ham radios finest.A QSO with Tex is one of those things you dont forget. Yes Tex laughter is the best medicine!! 73 big quick and ugly!!

[AA8EK]

I Have had the pleasure to work Tex several times on ten meters. He told me that he attributed his long life to good tequila and those Mexican Senoritas, now whether this is true or not only Tex knows. He is a joy to talk to and he still has a quick wit. And yes, after my first contact with him I recieved a QSL card right on schedule.
Steve Moore
AA8EK
Hamilton, Ohio

[w5hze]

I have had the privilege of meeting Tex in person several times while vacationing in Colorado with my family. His wit and humor around the campfire are easily the equal of his ragchewing expertise.
There are few men in this world who earned my late father's unreserved admiration, and Tex was at the top of his list. Honor and integrity define this gentleman. If any of you folks happen to see Tex at a hamfest (or elsewhere), please make his acquaintance and you will walk away better for the experience.
It took a few years for me to catch Tex on the air- but I finally found him one Sunday morning in June of 2000 on 10M SSB (about 4 months before his 100th birthday, as I recall), and proceeded to have one of those special QSOs that will never be forgotten.
In my own mind, Tex is the embodiment of the best traditions of amateur radio. Best Regards to him from WB5HZE and the Wray family.

[n0srq]

Well I can't say I've had the pleasure of talking with this gentleman but have heard him on the air as recent as a couple days ago. #He was working a ham in the northwest on 15 meters with a "7" call and I remember him signing off with the "May you live as long as you want and never want as long as you live." #One of these days I'll be fortunate enough to have a qso with Tex and be one of the many who have had the pleasure. #May we all carry on the tradition he has started and keep it live and well for many years to come.

73 #Ray #N0UY

[k0cqn]

Tex W5BQU this big ol ugly ape or big quick and ugly was one of my 1st contacts on 15, 21.314 is where he hangs out.What a pleasure to talk to full of spunk at 102 years and on the air for 72yrs,I was amazed he says i count my blessing not my candles , its so dry here we have 7yr old frogs that don't know how to swim.Funny funny funny he needs some kinda recognition from the comunity.Look for him youll never forget the pleasure.

[mm3stm]

not sure about oldest but here in scotland there is a 9yr old mm3etd

[n6ssq]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (QRZ STAFF @ Jan. 30 2003,15:22)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Who is the Oldest Living Amateur Operator? #Who is the longest Licensed Amateur Radio Operator? #Both these question came to me after a QSO with W5BQU, "Tex" Burdick Sr. of El Paso, TX. #Tex is 102 years old. #Personally, from my recollections, this is the oldest HAM I have ever had the pleasure to QSO with.

Do you know anyone older? #Who was the oldest HAM you have ever had a contact with? #Who is the longest licensed Amateur still living?

QRZ STAFF[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
Name here is Fergy N6SSQ. I have been a member of the Pacific Amateur Radio Guild since 1988. I am the
NCS for our Saturday daily CW net. It meets on 7.045 at 9am. One of our members, Bill Diaper KJ6KQ was born in 1900, I am trying to establish his date of birth. But Bill still QNI's the net from time to time when conditions are good enough for him to get on. Since QRZ no longer posts DOB I will simply call Bill and ask for his special day. I'll let you know just how old he is ASAP. We have several members in the 90's and quite a few in the 80's bracket age wise. A great net with good CW operators.
73's de Fergy N6SSQ

[steve1667]

Although not yet licensed I have spent considerable time listening to the bands and had the pleasure of hearing W5BQU on the air, 21.313 at 1210 hrs 2/6/02. He sounds like a very young and alert 102 year old. I can only wish that I sound like that in 20 years. He said that he has been a licensed ham for 72 years. I only wish that I had my license and could have answered his CQ calls. Perhaps I will again get the chance.

[wa0itp]

It was my very great pleasure to work Tex, W5BQU on 15M at 1721z today. It was an enjoyable ragchew and Tex is a very interesting conversationalist. As I write he is on 21.314 calling CQ. Still a very active Ham at 102, he is an inspiration. He has a saying, "May you live as long as you want -- and never want as long as you live". He's a gentleman on the air and maybe I'll work him again when he's 103. It would again be my great pleasure, I'll be looking for him on 15M.

Terry, WAØITP

[w5cpt]

Worked Tex a few days ago on 15M. What a hoot! Truely one of Ham Radio's greatest QSOs I've ever had.

[W7RJR]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kj7vj @ Feb. 04 2003,11:42)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">[B]Well until December 11th,2002 Tex may have been the oldest, but my friend REGGIE HOSKINS W7ROL here in Spokane who passed away might have been licensed the longest.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I met Reggie, W7ROL last summer for the first time.
I thoroughly enjoyed my brief visit with him in his home.
Certainly Reggie was the oldest ham I had ever met.
He claimed that while he was officially 100 years old there had been a mistake on his birth certificate. He claimed he was actually several years older. Reggies home and shack were a virtual ham radio museum. He had a still functioning spark gap transmitter!

I wish I had gotten to know him better before he passed away just after his official 101st birthday. Rest in peace Reggie.

73

[K7SAM]

Last worked "Big Quick and Ugly" on 16 Jan, what a great guy to visit with. First worked him a number of years ago during the Air Force QSO Party. Took time out and just rag chewed with him for a while. We should all be as happy and involved as this guy is. He always has time to visit and never misses a chance to pass on some Red Skelton humor and advice. Thanks for being there "Tex" hope to work you many more times in the future. Sam - K7SAM

[kg7zc]

W5BQU was my first contact ever when I got my novice licence some 12-13 years ago. Loved talking to him and still have his QSL card. Glad to see he's still dx ing. Funny just a few weeks ago I was going through my old log and was wondering about him. I'll have to check around on 10m to see if I can find him. A great contact. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[KD7LRJ]

I took my young boys (Cub and Boy Scouts) over to the home of "Woody" Woodward, W7KOP (W 7 Kind Ole' Pappy) in Provo, Utah for the JOTA event in 2001. He's been involved with the Boy Scouts for a long time. He told us that he had been licensed when he was 9 years old in 1919 and had been active ever since. That would mean 83 years as a ham sometime this year. He's not the oldest ham around, but he's definately been on the air longer than most.

He has rigs in his basement to cover all bands. Not multiband rigs, but a separate rig/amplifier/tuner/antenna system for each band. He told us that his eyesight didn't allow him to be able to tune up each system as he changed bands, so he just uses separate systems. He was in the process of building another amplifier when we visited him. He keeps a sked with some local hams on 2 meters and I listen in once in a while.

...Doug KD7LRJ

I, too, have worked the "Big, Quick and Ugly" ham from El Paso. I wrote him a letter some months ago without response. I hope he is still alive and well.

I would love to have another QSO with Tex, if it can be arranged.

W5BEN (former K4AAE)

[AG3Y]

I can certainly remember the qso I had with my oldest contact, and you might have had the pleasure of chatting with him as well. #

Del K4NBN (NO BAD NEWS) has been gracing the airwaves for many many years, telling his folklore about his Alligator Farm down in Fla. "Well, gotta go and feed the 'gators, now!" and how great a signal his antenna radiates because it consists of all the "baaaarbed waayar fence" that surrounds the "gator ponds"! #

The QSL card that he sent me had a picture of a "Ham Shack in Dixie" that had all the trappins' you would have expected to see in such a picture , (moonshine still in the background??? can't quite remember right now, but probably!! )

It is possible that he did more "broadcasting" than actual qso-ing while telling his stories, but I don't think that there was one single person that would have objected! # We were all too occupied with rolling on the floor, laughing!

I certainly hope that this has sparked a memory or two , and that I can catch him on the air again some time in the future. #He should still have a good sunspot cycle or two left before he goes to his reward!

Thanks for bringing up a happy memory for me. # BTW, I am a real "young squirt" #only been licensed for almost 25 years now and barely a little more than twice that age! #HI !

Jim AG3Y