Harry Raby, VE3FJJ, Silent Key ...
I met Harry in 1980, while looking at a shortwave radio. We both
saw the "for sale" ad in our small town newspaper. He didn't really
want the radio, he just wanted to give his condolences to the widow
(who was selling some of her late husband's radio gear). Of course
he let me buy the receiver, although he was prepared to buy it
himself (just to help her out). While nuts about radio, I was just
15 years old, and had never met a real "ham". He invited me to his
radio shack the next Monday night, and generously gave me the time
to learn the hobby while having the most fun in my life. We spent
every Monday night from then on, having fun on the air, and building
projects together. Although much older than me (he grew up in the
great depression, and was "saved" by the skills he learned in WW2),
he was my best friend in high school. The years went by, and
eventually I had to leave for university. Of course I became an RF
engineer, for which he was justifiably proud!
After university, I married and moved away. I did not get to spend
much time with my old friend. We both prospered over the next 20
years... I have my own RF lab and consulting business, and Harry
enjoyed 25 years of retirement with his favorite hobby. Harry passed
away in 2000, but I still remember him fondly.
VE3FJJ de KS4VA sk