Yep...and hard as it is to believe, the hams in their 70s (like me) are becoming the OTs. Never thought that would happen.
I spoke with Bob recently and he seemed to be improving. Bob was a very good friend and mentor to me. He will be missed by many. Prayers for his family and friends. Bob, I look forward to our next QSO in the sky someday. George Thomas, W5JDX Spreading Amateur Radio fun through video… AmateurLogic.TV HAM COLLEGE
One of my favorite ham radio treasures is Bob's book with his inscription "Keep It In Phase." I hope that when scholarships are set up in his name and memory, as they surely will be, that the public is given the opportunity to participate.
Bob was a good man and prominent contributor to ham radio who will be missed terribly. Cancer is no respecter of anyone, and he no doubt fought valiantly. This isn't goodbye, it's "see ya on the other side". 73 - Steve, KW4H
Life is indeed short. At dispatch centers, emergency first responders who have passed have a final call. K9EID has answered his final call. His contributions to the amateur radio service will never be forgotten. May he forever rest in peace.
I had a chance to interview Bob when I had my YouTube Channel a few years ago, a class act for sure. You will be missed.
I met and spoke with Bob a few times in person. He was a most gracious man, mentor, and friend to everyone in the radio amateur community. This is truly sad news to hear. Charles - KC8VWM
Sorry to hear that. May he rest in peace, and his family and friends find comfort. I was hoping to meet Bob at one of the big hamfests when I could finally make one. Even some locals here have great stories about meeting Bob.
That's sad news, Bob Heil was a really nice guy, a legendary ham and a rock-n-roll icon as well. One of his best bits of advice about designing ham and audio hardware was to use your ears and listen to how it sounds. I emailed him a few years ago concerning Hammond organs and he sent me this picture of him with his heavily modified organ that he played at a Holiday Inn in 1961.
