Greetings from Dave, W4KD

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Dave became a Silent Key in 2015 at the ripe old age of 100!  Please see his short bio below. The family invites you to sign his guestbook and share your memories of him.

 

Ann, W2MWY, code teacher for the Women's Voluntary Service 

© New York World Telegraph 1941

Thank You!

                                                                                                Remembering Dave 

Dave was a familiar voice on the air for 82 years.  If you ever tuned in to the 20-meter CW band, chances are you heard or contacted him.   He had a keen interest in radio from a young age.  He got his amateur license at 16 in 1932, and started experimenting with CW using a homemade transmitter.  He became proficient in Morse code and enjoyed making contacts with other hams from around the world. 

In 1939, he had a long chat with W2MWY, a YL operating from the radio pavilion at the New York World's Fair.  Dave rushed over to meet her in person, and they fell in love at first sight.  They married the following year.  

During World War II, Dave served as a radio operator in the Army Air Corps.  At the end of the war, he established an electronics company on "Radio Row" in Manhattan.  Dave's retirement gave him more time for his hobby.   He generally operated on CW, which he preferred to voice and new digital modes. He always had a friendly word or a joke for anyone who contacted him, and he especially enjoyed discussing radio history.  He was kind, helpful, generous, and funny.  He was always ready to lend a hand or offer advice to anyone who needed it.  He mentored many newcomers and helped them improve their skills and equipment. Sadly, he became a silent key in 2015, but his memory lives on with his countless friends worldwide.