Chuck, K3FT, SK

[K3STX]

I just heard from a fellow PVRCer that our friend Chuck, K3FT, became a silent key last night. His family had not heard from him in a couple of days and found him SK last night in his home. This was completely unexpected.

Chuck was a big-time contester, so next time we do a contest lets give a moment of silence for Chuck, a really great guy.

paul

[K8YS]

WHOA!! I am at a total loss for words.

[N8CPA]

Quote[/b] (K8YS @ Oct. 12 2004,09:32)]WHOA!! I am at a total loss for words.
Ditto. This is a shock!

[KB5WX]

My heartfelt condolenses go out to his family . Chuck , will be missed .

[KB9YCO]

Very sorry to hear about Chuck, my condolences to his family and friends. 73 Chuck.
KB9YCO - Brett

[N7AAO]

For once, I am speechless.

He will be sorely missed.

Please let us know where we can send condolences.

[KD4LEI]

This is a joke right?


If not, then what caused this?

[WA5KRP]

That is profoundly sad news. I considered FT to be one of QRZ's more lively and interesting posters. I'll miss his common sense and wit. Not to mention his insightful comments on amateur radio.



†


WA5KRP
Peace, Texas

[WF7I]

That's horrible. What happened to him? Anyone have any news?

He was posting as recently as last week and had over 2000 posts on QRZ.

I didn't know him but his callsign is very familiar to these pages. That's too bad.

[N7AAO]

I had the honor of several long e-mail conversations with Chuck. He was a true gentleman, in every sense of the word, with a lively wit that would sneak in at the oddest times. If one takes a look at his QRZ bio, you'll see a record of a man completely dedicated to radio and to helping his fellow man (he served on a hospital ship during the first Gulf War, for instance). He also had a shrewd insight, which may not have endeared him to some people here.

I am 99% certain that he was a Christian, so he is probably trying to convince God to let him put up a rhombic in Heaven right now.

As I said before, he will be sorely missed.

Godspeed, Chuck.

[N2ACX]

Iam truly saddened by this news. I have read his posts here many times.
my condolences to his family and friends from, my wife and I.

73 Chuck, from N2ACX & KB2SEL

[w0dz]

It's like losing a member of the family. What can one say but "73 es best dx om de w0dz sk . ."

[W8EFA]

I am saddened also, quite a shock.

Maybe we should do something?

If someone could find a Florist and post their phone number I am sure the florist would except multiple credit cards from all us hams that would want to contribute.

I am in for $10.00 bucks and if we get 5 or 6 others for 5$ or 10$ we could send him a really nice arrangement from his fellow hams.

What do you guys think?

[N7AAO]

Quote[/b] (W8EFA @ Oct. 12 2004,08:32)]Maybe we should do something?

If someone could find a Florist and post their phone number I am sure the florist would except multiple credit cards from all us hams that would want to contribute.

I am in for $10.00 bucks and if we get 5 or 6 others for 5$ or 10$ we could send him a really nice arrangement from his fellow hams.

What do you guys think?
I never thought I'd say this, but I agree with you, William.

You set it up, and I'll donate.

[n3ijw]

wow, just came back from an onsite job to read this, this sucks bigtime. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

Chuck was one of the people on QRZ I think I would have been great friends with IRL. I'm sorry I never got to meet him. 73 OM.

I'm in for whatever donations are needed for whichever cause is agreed on.

[AG3Y]

I never met Chuck personally, but through this forum, and several private E-Mails, I felt like I had gotten to know him as a personal friend. I know of some other guys here that did have a personal relationship with him, and my heart goes out to them, his family, and any of us whos' lives were enriched by our contact with him, no matter how long-lasting or fleeting.

He was a genuine high-class type of guy, and a real pleasure to know. I only wish I could have gotten to know him earlier in life and had a deeper relationship with him !

Again, my heartfelt prayers go out to the family and others in their time of sorrow!

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif Best wishes to one and all! Jim

[W7WV]

SRI to hear this.
It goes to show you never know what can happen, enjoy life while you can
It can be all to short!

[ac3p]

This is truly a shock.

I have known Chuck for almost 30 years. #We mostly conversed on the air and via email. Chuck was a regular on our VE team. He loved to give the code tests. He would be NCS for many of our public service events. On FD 2004 he manned the cw position and did yeoman work. Chuck was also a mentor for traffic handling. He truly enjoyed the Amateur Radio (yes I will say it) Service.

My last email from Chuck was Thursday. I sent him a "QSL" for hearing him on 750 khz. calling in a local talk show to set the show host straight on federal procurment issues. He cheerfully acknowledged the "QSL" with a few quips.

We will greatly miss Chuck.

73 Old Friend and Rest in Peace.

Frank AC3P

[K4JSR]

I am greatly saddend by the news of Chuck's passing.
He was always a gentleman and could debate issues
without becoming engrossed with personalities.
Chuck helped several new hams as well as some old timers with words of wisdom, skill and intelligence.
I shall miss him greatly.
William, I along with David agree with you for once.
Set up the account and I too shall send in a donation.

73, Cal K4JSR Grateful for having known K3FT.

[K3STX]

Chuck's family will get back to us on funeral arrangements/donations. I'll post.

paul

[KD4LEI]

From what I have found out now, this isn't joke. Sad to see someone like this pass on too soon.

73 Chuck, you will be missed

Rest in Peace!

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

Chad KD4LEI

[KD4LEI]

Quote[/b] (W8EFA @ Oct. 12 2004,02:32)]I am saddened also, quite a shock.

Maybe we should do something?

If someone could find a Florist and post their phone number I am sure the florist would except multiple credit cards from all us hams that would want to contribute.

I am in for $10.00 bucks and if we get 5 or 6 others for 5$ or 10$ we could send him a really nice arrangement from his fellow hams.

What do you guys think?
Best way would find a florist close to Chuck's QTH, or where the family will have the funeral setup. Probably find it online, or go to a florist near you to have them find it.

Just helping!

Chad

[N7AAO]

Quote[/b] (KD4LEI @ Oct. 12 2004,10:18)]Quote[/b] (W8EFA @ Oct. 12 2004,02:32)]I am saddened also, quite a shock.

Maybe we should do something?

If someone could find a Florist and post their phone number I am sure the florist would except multiple credit cards from all us hams that would want to contribute.

I am in for $10.00 bucks and if we get 5 or 6 others for 5$ or 10$ we could send him a really nice arrangement from his fellow hams.

What do you guys think?
Best way would find a florist close to Chuck's QTH, or where the family will have the funeral setup. #Probably find it online, or go to a florist near you to have them find it.

Just helping!

Chad
Let's wait and see what the family says... they might want donations to a charity instead of flowers.

[W4TEY]

My deepest sympathies to his family and friends as well as the ham community.

[WF7I]

Still no word on cause of death? Sounds like stroke or heart attack if he was found in his home (certainly not car accident).

[N8CPA]

Without doubt, Chuck was one of the good guys.

We've lost quite a few them this year, including some of the major "Elmers at Large" locally. I certainly like the idea of some kind of memorial fund or acknowledgement. Good idea, EFA.

[KB5WX]

EFA ,
An excellent idea . As I am on a fixed income , I won't be able to make my contribution until the first part of Nov. Shoot me an e-mail and let me know the details . Who to make the money order out to , address , etc . I may not be able to send much , but , I'll send what I can . Thanks in advance , Bill .

# # # # # # # # #73
# # # # # # # # # # #Randy

[WB2WIK]

I just read this, and I'm shocked. I knew Chuck a bit from HF contesting, as he was one of the chief ops at W3PP. Great guy, and only 50 years old.

I'd also be happy to pitch in with something for his family...Paul, please keep us up to date on this and what you recommend, since it seems you know them.

Steve WB2WIK/6

[WA3KYY]

Quote[/b] (N8CPA @ Oct. 12 2004,06:42)]Quote[/b] (K8YS @ Oct. 12 2004,09:32)]WHOA!! I am at a total loss for words.
Ditto. #This is a shock!
Man!! He was on during the PA QSO party. This is sad news indeed. I was looking forward to going up against him in the 2005 Mid-Atlantic QSO Party http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[K3STX]

Not to mislead anyone, but I do (did!) not know Chuck personally, but I got this information from our club. I have chatted with him on the air and via emails (and here on the Forums). We often talked about getting together up in Fells Point for a beer, but we never found the time. Wow, life can be short. I thought this news was important to share here, and I will certainly post whatever I find out.

paul

[N0PU]

We may never have agreed on politics,
BUT we agreed on Ham Radio...

I am saddened by this loss...

FT, my friend, best of luck in the next world...

[KG4YUV]

All I ever knew of Chuck were his great comments here on the board. Other than that, I worked him once during a contest on 20 meters, not until I examined my log did I realize I worked him!

We'll miss you, Chuck!

[WA2ZDY]

I am shocked beyond words. I never met Chuck, though we had tentatively planned a meeting in September that didn't work out. I'm more sad now that it didn't, as there will be no "maybe later."

Chuck's input on the forums here, his knowledge and willingness to share it put him at the top of the list of "members who would be missed here." And now he is and will indeed be missed.

He sure did his share for his country. As was said earlier, read his qrz.com bio. What a life he had.

I wish you Godspeed Chuck, you and your family will be in my prayers.

[w5klb]

I have been lurking around here way too long, but I had to post on this thread. This news really floored me. It seems like the Good Lord always takes good ones waaay too early.

My sympathy to Chucks family. I will miss reading his posts and all the good advice he has given me.

To W3SY:

I know that you and Chuck were pretty good friends. Always remember that you are not mourning Chuck's #passing alone.

A very sad day indeed for the Amateur radio community.

P.S Whether you agreed or disagreed with Chuck, K3FT,I hope that we could, in whatever way that we could, follow his example of just what it means to be an Amateur.

[AB8TM]

My condolences are with Chuck and his family and my prayers will be with them.

[kn6z]

Whew, what a blow. I didn't know him well personally, but I'm very sorry. 73 Chuck, if you still copy.

[k7dlx]

Holy Cow what a shocker.

Never met Chuck, but we corresponded frequently through e-mail and this site.

Chuck, we'll miss ya, buddy.

73 and see ya on the other side.

Ric

[kc2kde]

Bummer. I am very sorry to hear the bad news. My condolences to the family. 73... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[w3sy]

I just heard this for the first time HERE. That's terribly shocking and unexpected.

I've known Chuck since I got my Novice in 1970. I was WN3PQM and he was WA3LQV -- Little Queer Vampire. It's an understatement to say that we shared a LOT of laughs in person, over the phone, and on the air.

Chuck loved ham radio. Period. End of statement. He probably loved ham radio more than anyone I've ever known. And he was a first rate operator -- as good as anyone out there -- on phone and CW.

One thing for sure about Chuck that you have all seen here -- He was a man of his convictions. He had strong opinions about EVERYTHING, but was always able to back up, in very articulate fashion, why he felt a certain way.

I'm sorry, but I think I'll stop for now. I have to make some phone calls. But please take my word for it -- I've known him since we were kids -- he was a great guy and the kind of ham ANY Nate Newbie would do well to learn from.

73 Chuck. Rest well.

[N7AAO]

Quote[/b] (w3sy @ Oct. 12 2004,15:02)]I just heard this for the first time HERE. That's terribly shocking and unexpected.

I've known Chuck since I got my Novice in 1970. I was WN3PQM and he was WA3LQV -- Little Queer Vampire. It's an understatement to say that we shared a LOT of laughs in person, over the phone, and on the air.

Chuck loved ham radio. Period. End of statement. He probably loved ham radio more than anyone I've ever known. And he was a first rate operator -- as good as anyone out there -- on phone and CW.

One thing for sure about Chuck that you have all seen here -- He was a man of his convictions. He had strong opinions about EVERYTHING, but was always able to back up, in very articulate fashion, why he felt a certain way.

I'm sorry, but I think I'll stop for now. I have to make some phone calls. But please take my word for it -- I've known him since we were kids -- he was a great guy and the kind of ham ANY Nate Newbie would do well to learn from.

73 Chuck. Rest well.
Steve,

Please share what you find out.

[n3ijw]

Oh man, what a crummy way to find out. Sorry, Steve. #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

Please do keep us posted whenever you are up to it.

[ae4fa]

Chuck was a great guy. I'll miss him.

[KC2HJN]

Man, didn't know him personally, only from this board. What terrible news. My condolences to all who knew him.

[N0KLT]

My condolences to his family and friends. He seemed to have been one of the good ones. Our ham community has been greatly dimished by his leaving it. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, also.


Gary NØKLT

[KM5FL]

I've been out of town all day and just read the news..

I knew FT only from this forum.. Judging from his posts, he must have been one heck of a guy.. Boy, is Heaven in for a treat!!!.. New VE programs and CW lessons for everyone... And the ham gear is truly out of this world.. Unlimited power and absolutely no RFI, QRM, or QRN..

K3FT, good luck in the contest es 73..

de KM5FL

[w6ez]

What can one say?

This is a loss for us all.

[w5alt]

I am speechless. I know Chuck only from here, a short QSO in the middle of a pile-up and a short QSO in the middle of a contest, but ...

Like I said - I'm speechless.

73,
Walt, W5ALT

[KD7WHQ]

Shaping up into one helluva year...

FT sent me a copy of the manual on traffic handling he wrote. Extremely detailed, any possible situation is defined. I got it less than two weeks ago.

Fine man, great loss. Sympathies to both his family and any who were close..

[k9kxq]

Although I never talk to Chuck on the air and never received an email I felt I knew him from reading his post here.

Our sympathy goes out to his friends and family members.

"While we are mourning the loss of our friend others are rejoicing to meet"

kxq

[KG4CGC]

I too and shocked and saddened.

TBTM Chuck,
TBTM


KG4CGC

[W0LC]

I will miss seeing Chuck's postings. He was just on here last Friday too!

My heart felt sympathy goes out to his family and friends.

Chuck is pounding the brass working some heavenly DX probably!

[W0LC]

Quote[/b] (KD7WHQ @ Oct. 12 2004,19:05)]Shaping up into one helluva year...

FT sent me a copy of the manual on traffic handling he wrote. #Extremely detailed, any possible situation is defined. #I got it less than two weeks ago.

Fine man, great loss. #Sympathies to both his family and any who were close..
Another example of a wonderful op and great Elmer. #For all those that whine and complain about the "old timers", etc., here is one that is in a class above all others! #

Chuck's void will be felt. #His helpfulness and friendship and wise info will definitely be missed. #

We will miss you Chuck! #73 and SK

PS: Chuck was only 50 years old!

[K3UD]

I just now logged on and found out.

Chuck was certainly a credit to Amateur Radio and to this forum. He will,sadly,be missed. Him, and his family will be in my prayers.

Rest In Peace Chuck

George

[N1XHF]

Chuck will be indeed missed. He was one of the better people you could ever talk with, I enjoyed reading his posts.

73 Chuck

[W0UZR]

I hope Chuck will forgive me for disagreeing with him a lot of times when we posted. #And as it turned out, he was right anyway. I hope he knew I like to over react some to try to make things more interesting. #It was all in fun. #We used to email back and forth and he was a good friend. #I will miss him. #He was a VERY smart man. I could ask him questions in our Emails that I thought no one would have an answer for, and he would have an answer.

[WF7I]

Quote[/b] (w3sy @ Oct. 12 2004,15:02)]I've known Chuck since I got my Novice in 1970. I was WN3PQM and he was WA3LQV -- Little Queer Vampire. It's an understatement to say that we shared a LOT of laughs in person, over the phone, and on the air.

Chuck loved ham radio. Period. End of statement. He probably loved ham radio more than anyone I've ever known. And he was a first rate operator -- as good as anyone out there -- on phone and CW.
W3SY,

Very touching post. I'm sorry for the loss of your friend. It sounds like the two of you were close in age and knew each other for many years. That's gotta be very tough.

I read lots of his posts. I didn't always agree with him, but I admired him for "stirring the pot" and getting discussion going.

Is it just me or are lots of people dying lately?? The rest of you out there, take care of yourselves and don't become another SK!

Please let us know what happened to him when you learn something, if you would.

73,
Bert

[N7AAO]

Quote[/b] (WF7I @ Oct. 13 2004,08:24)]I read lots of his posts. #I didn't always agree with him, but I admired him for "stirring the pot" and getting discussion going.
I gotta inject something here.

It may have seemed like he was just taking a position to "stir the pot," but from several long private conversations, I can tell you that he truly believed just about everything he said (except for when he was using satire, of course). Chuck was not the type to take a position he didn't believe in just to get things going.

I didn't know him long, and wish I'd had 20 more years to pick his brain on lots of subjects, but I feel honored to have known him as well as I did for the time I had.

Okay, back to the eulogizing.

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

[W8EFA]

I still think we should do something for Chuck as a group. #I just checked the Baltimore Sun online obituaries and there was nothing there. #I think they post them on the internet one day late though.

If SY, STX, or someone else that lives close or personally knew Chuck can post some info I think we should organize something.

[N7AAO]

Quote[/b] (W8EFA @ Oct. 13 2004,08:39)]I still think we should do something for Chuck as a group. #I just checked the Baltimore Sun online obituaries and there was nothing there. #I think they post them on the internet one day late though.

If SY, STX, #or someone else that lives close #or personally knew Chuck can post some info I think we should organize something.
Steve (SY) was the closest to Chuck personally... he told me he was gonna make some phone calls and let me know what he found out, but I haven't heard back yet. I expect he will let us know what's up this afternoon or evening sometime.

I do know that in talking to SY privately last nite, he sounded like he was still in shock at the news.

[w3sy]

Hey all...

Thanks for the kind words to me, and also about Chuck.

There's no obit in the paper yet. I was going to call his sister and brother-in-law (both hams), but decided not to bother them just yet.

There was a lot of talk about Chuck on the local repeaters, so word is getting around locally. Yes, he was well known around here.

He had sent me an e-mail at work just last Friday, so most likely he died sometime over the weekend at home. He lived alone, so that's why it may have taken a couple days for relatives to suspect something was wrong.

Unfortunately, Chuck wasn't the healthiest looking guy around, and I'm told by a mutual friend that he had a heart episode once before. If I had to guess, I'd say his heart probably gave out.

Chuck would talk to me about the people he debated with on QRZ, and there was NEVER any personal animosity at all. To him, it was all a playful intellectual exercise. Chuck was also a bit of a practical jokester, and was not above harmlessly tweaking people. But it was never mean spirited. He may have wanted to project a different personna HERE (being the jokester he was), but you might as well know the truth.

Over over....

[N7AAO]

Quote[/b] (w3sy @ Oct. 13 2004,09:17)]Hey all...

Thanks for the kind words to me, and also about Chuck.

There's no obit in the paper yet. I was going to call his sister and brother-in-law (both hams), but decided not to bother them just yet.

There was a lot of talk about Chuck on the local repeaters, so word is getting around locally. Yes, he was well known around here.

He had sent me an e-mail at work just last Friday, so most likely he died sometime over the weekend at home. He lived alone, so that's why it may have taken a couple days for relatives to suspect something was wrong.

Unfortunately, Chuck wasn't the healthiest looking guy around, and I'm told by a mutual friend that he had a heart episode once before. If I had to guess, I'd say his heart probably gave out.

Chuck would talk to me about the people he debated with on QRZ, and there was NEVER any personal animosity at all. To him, it was all a playful intellectual exercise. Chuck was also a bit of a practical jokester, and was not above harmlessly tweaking people. But it was never mean spirited. He may have wanted to project a different personna HERE (being the jokester he was), but you might as well know the truth.

Over over....
Steve, when ya do call the relatives, find out if there is something that his friends here can donate to... flowers, or a favorite charity or something like that. There's a lot of support for the idea of doing something along those lines.

[w3sy]

I will find that out.... Thanks....

[ky5u]

Often on the same side of issues as Chuck, often not. I did not know him well but he seemed like a class guy. Condolences to his friends here and his family for their loss. God Bless.

Charlie

[N7AAO]

Just an FYI... I just PM'ed Steve SY with the info about getting Chuck listed in the "Silent Key" column of QST and possibly the ARRL website. Hopefully we can get it in before the next issue of QST comes out.

[W8LBO]

I'm very sorry to see this. #I believe I worked him in the MAQP, he was really rolling in the contacts. He was also helpful in finding me a logging program.
73 to him, his family, and his friends,
Tim W8LBO

[W4CGP]

I never worked him on the air but always found his posting here to be entertaining and thought-provoking. He was fun to watch debating issues as well as relating personal experiences. His passing is a huge loss to the ham radio community.

God bless ya'll.

[K3STX]

Just got an email from PVRC from Chuck's brother-in-law, Don Baker:

"Expressions of sympathy (cards) can be sent to Chuck's mother Janet Merchant c/o Don Baker N2MCG, 4619 Schenley Road, Baltimore MD 21210-2525"

The funeral will be next Tuesday in Timonium, MD. There was no indication of a charity/flowers/etc... I plan to send a QSL card to his mom. Short and sweet.

paul

[W0UZR]

I think that they are going to be over run with flowers as it is, and probably with food too. But, one thing I know being I just got done with my mom's funeral is that the price is HIGH!

I'm sure the greatest gift and or thing we can do is send money to help with the funeral costs...

[W0BLH]

My sincere sympathy to the family of Chuck. I always enjoyed his postings on QRZ. I did not know Chuck personally, but will miss him on QRZ. 73 Chuck.

BLH

Ham Radio is a Hobby and Fun!

[ac3p]

On the Baltimore Traffic Net last night W3YVQ announced that there will be a sevice held at Ruck's Funeral Home on York Rd in Timonium Md. this Tuesday at 2 p.m.

Al W3YVQ was Chuck's elmer in many ways.

73

Frank

[K3STX]

For those who are curious, it seems his heart gave out. He was doing antenna work on Saturday, felt very tired, realized he forgot to take his heart medicine, but refused a trip to the ER and simply went home to take his medicine and rest.

I guess there is a moral to this story.

paul

[wa3vjb]

Bum me out.

I also knew Chuck back when he was WA3LQV and was a prime mover and shaker on the massive 07/67 machine in Baltimore.

I listened to him hold court for years on that repeater, mostly at night, before I finally upgraded and worked him.

Lost touch with him for many years until I spotted his calls here on QRZ.com.

One day, as a thread was underway, and I reminded him about knowing him back in the LQV vintage days. He seemed flattered anyone cared, but that was just part of the humble, genuine person we were fortunate to come across.

It's a bummer that he's gone. He takes with him a chunk of goodwill and interest in people that the rest of us will have to cover in his memory.

Paul/VJB
Annapolis

[K3STX]

UZR,

None of that is important. I even hesitated sending my last post.

[KB9YCO]

Well, I'm sure we'll all miss Chuck here. Even though we were often on opposite sides of a debate, he at least had the courage of his convictions to say what he believed, and very rarely made personal attacks like so many here that do.
All other details are irrelevant, you're right, but I always looks at it from the angle of being glad I least got to interact with the person while they were still here.

[W3MIV]

I have been out of town for the last several days, and I come back to this. I am both shocked and saddened. I never met Chuck, though our QTHs are quite close; I did, however, enjoy a regular PM interchange with him, most particularly as he would lay out his ongoing plans for inciting political riot among several liberal posters hereabouts. He had a great sense of humor and fun.

I shall miss him.

[kg6saj]

K3FT, SK

Rest In Peace

Tim

[XV2PS]

Never know what to say, but a lot of thaughts.
Will meet again a bit later up there.

[ac3p]

Ruck's Funeral Home address is:

1050 York Rd Towson, MD 21204-2515

AC3P

[k6pme]

Oh wow. I am very sorry to here this news. I hope all goes as well as can with his family and friends.

[W0UZR]

Quote[/b] (K3STX @ Oct. 14 2004,12:54)]UZR,

None of that is important. I even hesitated sending my last post.
Ok, sorry for asking. I just want to offer some words of encouragement to him

[nx6d]

Wow, what a HUGE shock.

Chuck and I agreed on nothing politically or stylistically. He and I did share the same love of Amateur Radio.

While we did disagreed, I never got the sense that Chuck was a bad person. I'm sorry I never got the chance to meet him in person. I think we would have been friends.

I now will have an extra copy of "F 9/11". I ordered two copies, one for myself and the other to send to Chuck like I promised in a previous thread. Chuck said he would watch it< and I was looking forward to the discussion after he watched the movie.

WX7B

[n5tjd]

Wow, I always am the last to know about anything.... What can I say? When I saw the thread it hit me like a kick in the chest. I never had the opportunity to work him on the air, though I heard him in a contest once. On QRZ, he always came across as a very nice person and had a good sense of humor. I always enjoyed his posts.

Goodbye Chuck, K3FT. We'll miss ya.

73 OM, de Tom, KD5WZB.

[w3sy]

FYI -- Chuck's obit:

Charles O. Reville III

REVILLE, III, Charles O. CHARLES O. REVILLE, III, beloved son of Janet Merchant and the late Charles Reville, Jr.; loving brother of Nancy Marie Reville, Elizabeth Ann Baringer, and Cynthia Ruth Jaskulski. Also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial services will be held at the family owned Ruck Towson Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 York Road (beltway exit 26 A), on Tuesday, October 19, at 2 P.M. Graveside service will follow in Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens.
Published in the Baltimore Sun on 10/17/2004.

--------------------------------------------

I talked to his sister Nancy over the weekend. She was very touched to hear that you guys are thinking about them. She'll be getting back to me about what charities you can donate to in honor of Chuck's memory.

Just another reminder of how temporary life is. Why take it so seriously? Laugh a little; go a little crazy sometimes. Have fun. Don't let petty, small crap get you down. At the end of the day, we're all in this together.

[K8YS]

I miss Chuck already. He would have had a grand time with the current crop of messages in the T&O section.

[ac3p]

Attended the service today. Sad as it was, everyone was there to celebrate their good fortune to have known Chuck.

Particularly moving for the amateurs there was the NTS message to K3FT from W3YVQ that was delivered by N3VEJ.
It seemed a fitting tribute to that "grizzled traffic op" as Chuck use to call himself.

73

Frank

[N7AAO]

Quote[/b] (K8YS @ Oct. 18 2004,20:14)]I miss Chuck already. He would have had a grand time with the current crop of messages in the T&O section.
Chuck would have been in his element, that's for sure.

I miss him. And I ain't afraid to admit it.

[w5klb]

I never knew Chuck except through this board, but after emailing him about some of his experiances in the Navy, Amateur Radio, questions that I had, and other things, I felt like I had known this guy for years. It's like kindred spirits. We have lost a friend, a brother, and one hell of an op.

"Rarely do members one's own family grow up under the same roof." Quoted from "Illusions" by Richard Bach.

So long Chuck. Rest well. You will be missed more than words can express.

[w3sy]

A little more info....

Apparently Chuck had operated a multi-multi station in a contest on Saturday 10/9. After the contest, he was not feeling well. The other ops at the contest station had offered to take him to a hospital, but Chuck decided to drive himself home instead.

Very unfortunate. Please don't let this happen to YOU. Don't be stubborn. If you think you are in danger, especially if you have a bad history, just get it checked out. If it's nothing, it's nothing. No harm, no foul. Don't take chances.

[W8EFA]

Quote[/b] (w3sy @ Oct. 20 2004,09:03)]A little more info....

Apparently Chuck had operated a multi-multi station in a contest on Saturday 10/9. After the contest, he was not feeling well. The other ops at the contest station had offered to take him to a hospital, but Chuck decided to drive himself home instead.

Very unfortunate. Please don't let this happen to YOU. Don't be stubborn. If you think you are in danger, especially if you have a bad history, just get it checked out. If it's nothing, it's nothing. No harm, no foul. Don't take chances.
Very Wise words - if only he had went to the hospital who knows? I know alot of us think we are tough guys, Maybe from this situation we may better understand If you are feeling bad it is better to be safe than sorry.

Just curious - was it a heart attack or stroke?

My condolences for your loss SY.

[w3sy]

Thanks, Will.... (Is that what you go by? Not sure...) I appreciate the kind words.

I don't know for sure, but I THINK Chuck had a bad history of heart problems, so that's probably what did him in.

By the way, might as well tell you now, when I called you W8EEEEEEEEEEEEEEFA (or variations thereof), that was strictly an inside joke between me and Chuck. Nobody else here knew what the gag was. Years and years ago, there was a local whose call was K3EFR. When he gave his call, it kinda came out K3EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEFR (elongated "E"). We were kids at the time, and LOVED To make fun of some of the older hams. (Sound familiar? I guess what goes around comes around -- HAW!!) Our impression of this dude got more and more "over the top" as time went on. Got to the point where when we imitated this guy, it sounded like some guy in the throws of a terrible bout with constipation.

Your call reminded us of ol' K3EEEEEEEFR. So that was the whole joke. Had nothing to do with you, personally. I'll retire that one now. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif Just one of the ways Chuck and I would amuse each other. Over 34 years, you collect a lot of "inside jokes" and old yarns that get told and retold.

Thanks again, and 73
de Steve W3SY

[N7AAO]

Quote[/b] (w3sy @ Oct. 20 2004,09:03)]A little more info....

Apparently Chuck had operated a multi-multi station in a contest on Saturday 10/9. After the contest, he was not feeling well. The other ops at the contest station had offered to take him to a hospital, but Chuck decided to drive himself home instead.

Very unfortunate. Please don't let this happen to YOU. Don't be stubborn. If you think you are in danger, especially if you have a bad history, just get it checked out. If it's nothing, it's nothing. No harm, no foul. Don't take chances.
Reminds me of a story about my step-father. One day he called my mother at work (she was a nurse at the time) and asked what a heart attack felt like. She told him, and he said, well, I guess that's what I have.

She said she was calling an ambulance, but he said, no, he'd wait for her to drive him to the hospital (he is legally blind), since she didn't work too far away. Fortunately, Mom's stubborn streak came out then, and she said, no, I am calling an ambulance, and you will get in it.

Thank God she did that.

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

postscript: Ironically, I had just given 2 weeks' notice at my job when I got the call... I went to my boss, told her that my step-dad was having a heart attack, and all she said was, "go." So I did. I wasn't there much that two weeks, but I think they understood.

[ac3p]

Steve,

You and Chuck weren't the only one;s who got the K3EEEEEFR. Wonder how Ned is doing?

[AG3Y]

Quote[/b] (w3sy @ Oct. 20 2004,13:08)]Thanks, Will.... (Is that what you go by? Not sure...) I appreciate the kind words.

Years and years ago, there was a local whose call was K3EFR. When he gave his call, it kinda came out K3EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEFR (elongated "E"). We were kids at the time, and LOVED To make fun of some of the older hams. (Sound familiar? I guess what goes around comes around -- HAW!!)

Thanks again, and 73
de Steve W3SY
Oh, heck, Steve, once in a while, in my correspondence with him I would call him "FFFFFTTTT" like air rushing between your lips! Kinda got a kick out of it myself!

Gosh, I miss the guy! Any news yet on organizations that would benefit from some of our donations?

73, Jim

[w3sy]

Jim AG3Y.... I asked his sister about that, and she called back and left a message. I owe her a return phone call to get that info.

Frank AC3P --- Not sure if ol' NED is still around. His QRZ listing has few lookups, which usually indicates that someone is not active as a ham.

[ac3p]

There is a post on the www.baltarc.org about sending a contribution to the ARRL Frequency Defence Fund in Chuck's name.

[n2mcg]

Even now the family is still recieving calls cards and flowers. #At the request of the family, donations can be made to the ARRL in Chucks name. #For those interested, Chuck was VERY active in his Church and donations there would also be appropriate and I can provide contact information if desired.

Some things about Chuck:

Long before the Gulf War, he served as a radioman in the merchant marines;

He used his 2 weeks of vacation time every year to volunteer at a faith based youth camp, helping to assure the "youngsters" had fun;

Chuck once had a pet alligator, and his sister had a pet pig (they lived in the "city") at the same time;

Chuck left behind 3 sisters, and his mom;

-=Sorry this is a little disjointed, but the screen is getting a little blurry=-

Thanks for all

DE N2MCG
Don Baker
-=DiB=-http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[ac3p]

Chuck operating W3PGA CW at FD 2004. Hope the picture comes out.