I am sorry to report that we la important member of the contesting community. Rich Strand, KL7RA, became a silent key today. I don't know too much information, although he has been having heart issues since just before SS CW.
He was one of the most active Ham Rich KL7RA (Alaska) in this life ... Eternal flight in the air R. I. P.
Very sorry to hear Condolences to all involved. KL7RA is the callsign that's most seen in my log by FAR. I just worked him on November 8th QRP CW on 40. He will be missed - one of the biggest voices from Alaska Dave W7UUU
A fabulous contest station builder, DX operator with good ears, and all around great guy, featured highly in my logbook too. 73 and RIP de John WØPV FYI - http://qrznow.com/kl7ra-in-hospital/
Just went through my log. 6 contacts with Rich since 2009. I rarely leave comments in my log, but I have 3 comments about wonderful ragchews. I also have 3 QSL cards from him. Wonderful contacts. My condolences to family and friends
My Condolences. Here is all I could find. Richard A. Strand, KL7RA SK SK November 20, 2015 Richard Strand December 17, 1945 - November 20, 2015 Anchorage, Alaska http://www.tributes.com/obituary/show/Richard-Strand-103028698 73 K2HAT Lee Hatfield Jr
This is very sad news. I found out while reading score postings from the Phone SS that Rich passed the day before. This was quite a shock. During the contest I received a strange message from W5GN that Rich sent me some traffic. At the time I didn't know what he was talking about. Now I know. For the last 10-15 years Rich and I would always meet up at the contesting hospitality suites at Dayton. We'd set up shop at a table along with W5GN and a bunch of other contesters and tell tall contesting tales all night. It was one of the highlights of the trip each year. Rich was just a real fun guy to be around and as well all know, was a very accomplished contester. To say he will be missed is a understatement. But he left a legacy of contesters who learned the "trade" from him. 73 Rich. Keep those pileups going!
Rick KL7RA was a topic at Thanksgiving Dinner yesterday at a gathering of some local "Ham's". We all agreed it sad to see him Silent Key so young. My Condolences and Sympathy to all who knew him. Yes he is in my log, more than once.
I first met Rich when I was living in Fairbanks in the early 90's. He offered our radio club, Arctic Amateur Radio Club, a great tour of the NOAA satellite receiving facility just north of Fairbanks. He would also frequently attend our weekly ham lunch at the Bakery Restaurant and always talked about his latest DX. Visited his Fairbanks DX station several times and always wished I participated in one of his contest weekends. In the late 90's he moved out from under the auroral ring above Fairbanks, blocking most HF communications, to a more friendly and quieter HF location of Kenai Alaska where he built a top notch DX facility. Great to have known you Rich. Sure your propagation from above the auroral ring will give you everlasting DX to all parts of the universe. RIP Mr. Rich Strand. Contributed by: Myron F. Babcock (KL7YY)
I was very sorry to hear about Rich., KL7RA. I first met Rich in January 1964 at Corry Field near Pensacola florida when we were both in CT school. Talked about ham radio all the time, we both loved it.. flew model airplanes also, great times..Rich gave me Alaska on 160 meters! I'm still thanking you for that buddy! Bob K4RDU
My first QSO with Richard A. Strand, KL7RA, was make on January 12, 1988 in SSB 14 MHz. After that date we make some new QSO's. I was very sorry to know this notice about her passed away. My condolences to his family... So long dear Rich. Edmilson Rodrigues do Ó, PR7CPK
