My father-in-law, Mike O’Dowd, Sr., WB5BLR, of San Antonio, Texas, became a silent key on 6 September 2020. Besides being my father-in-law, he was also my long-time elmer. He first encouraged me to become a ham in 1995 (before his daughter and I married) when I told him how much I enjoyed listening to shortwave radio. Over the years, though less active, he continued supporting me, checking in to see what kind of "hamming" (as he called it) I was doing, and even providing me his old TS-520SE, which inspired me to upgrade to General in about 2004. In later years, he was barely active, so he gifted me his TS-570S, which I use today. Mike himself became interested in ham radio in the 1950s when he was in the U.S. Army. Most importantly, though, he was the best husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather his family could ask for. He had the patience of Job, and exemplified traits attributed to St. Joseph: exemplar of manhood, guardian of families, and model of a quiet and contemplative life. He is dearly missed by his family and friends. His full obituary can be seen here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/san-antonio-tx/michael-odowd-9347686
