I am very sad to report that my good friend John Bartscherer, N1GNV of Meriden CT better known in the amateur radio community as John Bee, owner of Quicksilver Radio Products, passed away on Friday October 23rd, 2025. No further details are known. John was a familiar fixture at hamfests and conventions up and down the East Coast and west to the Midwest as a large commercial vendor Quicksilver Radio Products for over twenty years. He sold all kinds of accessories, cables etc for radio equipment many of which he made himself. He was a regular exhibitor at NEAR-Fest which he once described as his “favourite hamfest”. John also ran them “Nutmeg” Hamfest which was the Connecticut State Convention in Hartford every year. Prior to starting Quicksilver Radio Products which he ran very professionally John was the QST Advertising Manager for many years, It is unknown what will happen to his company. We will miss John at NEAR-Fest. May he rest in peace.
Truly sad news. He will be greatly missed. As a fellow vendor at many hamfests where he was at he provided a wealth of information.
John was a great guy! I used to look forward to seeing him at various hamfests. He would do the whole spread at my club's hamfest (Sussex NJ). I've bought more than a few things from him including the andy crimp kit. I believe he also worked for ARRL a long time ago. He will be missed for sure.
Hello Ria: John Bee was a regular at NEAR-Fest and told us on several occasions that it was his favorite. I saw him earlier this month at our Fall hamfest as well as at the New England ARRL Convention in August.. He didn’t look very healthy I am afraid. He was on oxygen. Prior to starting Quicksilver he did indeed work at the League as QST advertising manager. He understood the business side of amateur radio better than anyone I know. We would see him everywhere including Orlando and even Dayton. Everyone liked John Bee. I never heard anyone say anything negative about John Bee. We have lost a friend.
Very sad to hear this. I worked for John for a short while and traveled to many of the hamfests to man the booth. He will be missed.
Very sorry to hear this news. I will miss John's sarcastic sense of humor, wise advice, and culinary skills for club activities. I hope someone half as talented will take over Quicksilver. He won't be easily replaced or forgotten. R.I.P., John.
I will miss John's grumpy face at all the hamfests we attended together. Does anyone know if there are any memorial/funeral plans?
John was a great friend. We got our ham licenses around the same time. We enjoyed field days together and going out to eat together back in the day. I will truly miss him and will miss his call on the air. 73 old friend, Rick K1RJC
Sorry to hear of John’s passing. John was one of the first hams I met at the Nutmeg Hamfest. I remember meeting him at the hamfest after I became licensed in 2004. RIP John. 73 de Matt W8DEC (ex: KB1LCS)
Please pray for the repose of the soul of John A. Bartscherer ’71, who passed away on October 25, 2025. John is survived by his beloved children, Elizabeth and Jay, and his brother Michael. http://thebeehive.molloyhs.org/?p=30813
I worked for John at Quicksilver for 2 years. He was an incredible mentor to me, and I learned a great deal from him. I'm saddened by the news of his loss, but am confident that he spread enough wisdom amongst all who knew him for him to live on in this community and world.
