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August 31, 2022

From QCWA Headquarters

http://www.qcwa.org

QCWA Bulletin 2022-008 - Former QCWA Director & President Harry Dannals, W2HD - Silent Key

It is with sadness we report the passing of QCWA Life Member # 7425, Harry Dannals, W2HD of Charlottesville, VA on August 30, 2022 at the age of 95.

Harry was first licensed in 1946 as W2TUK. He was a member of QCWA Chapter 155 and Albemarle Amateur Radio Club. A name synonymous with ham radio for nearly eight decades, was one of four Members elevated to President Emeritus in 2010. The others elected to this prestigious position were Leland W. Smith, W5KL, (1989), Lewis 'Mac' McCoy, W1ICP (1996) and Bob Roske, NØUF in 2019.

Dannals was best known for his decade (1972 to 1982) serving as President of the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and also serving as President of the Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA) from 1989 to 1994. He is the only person to have ever held this leadership position in both organizations. Harry also served as QCWA Director from 1983 to 1985.

Dannals served in the Navy where his father (Earl Dannals, W2GG (SK)) was the commanding officer, and was discharged in mid 1941. Harry then enrolled at Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn (now Polytechnic Institute of New York University), majoring in electrical engineering with an emphasis on electronics. After graduating from college in 1950 he applied for a direct commission as a naval officer, which resulted in a new Ensign being added to the ranks. He served several decades as commanding officer of two highly rated Security Group divisions, an association with the communications world, ending with his retirement from the Navy as a full Commander in 1987. During this time he was employed by the Sperry Corporation where he worked in radar and other engineering programs for nearly 40 years.

In addition to his work with both the QCWA and ARRL, he is a Fellow in the Radio Club of America, a member of the Society of Wireless Pioneers, the Old Old Timers Club and Veteran Wireless Operators Association. In 2002 he was inducted into the CQ Magazine Amateur Radio Hall of Fame.

During his involvement with the ARRL he held many offices at various levels. As part of the League's Field Organization, he held appointments as Official Relay Station (ORS); Official Phone Station (OPS); Official Observer (00), and Emergency Coordinator (EC). He held elected positions as Section Communications Manager (SCM), (now Section Manager) (SM)), Vice Director and Director of the ARRL Hudson Division.

When Harry turned 95 in April, he mentioned that when he was 10 years old, he learned Morse code with his best friend and was able to master 50 - 60 words per minute. On his 95th birthday he was visited by his friend, Jim Wilson, K4BAV, and his son, Bob Dannals, W2GG, who holds a Ph.D. and is a professor in the Johns Hopkins Medicine Department of Radiology and Radiological Science in Baltimore, Maryland.

"On August 27, 2022, Harry Dannals (W2HD) was visited by his youngest daughter Mary Dannals-Johnson (from Long Island) and his 2 sons Tom Dannals (W2TUK, Harry’s old call, from Winston-Salem, NC) and Bob Dannals, W2GG, (Harry’s father’s old call, from Sparks, MD) at Our Lady of Peace retirement community in Charlottesville VA. Bob read to his father the words on the QCWA 75 year anniversary certificate that QCWA recently presented to Harry. Harry reminisced about old times with his close friend (regarded as a member of the family), Warren Lueck, W2VKS (SK).

My father had lots of friends, but “Uncle Warren”, as my siblings and I called him, was one of the closest (as close as his brother, Frank Dannals. W2DRL). Warren passed in 1997, but I recall Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners shared between the 2 families each year when I was going up. It’s interesting that it’s his memory that my dad is now holding so close as he moves in and out of consciousness. It must have been a very deep connection.

My dad considered each ham that he met to be a member of his extended family and cared greatly and fought mightily for all hams in his administrative roles with the ARRL.

We are all members of the worldwide community that started with Marconi and continued with Maxim.  It’s a wonderful legacy, and I’m happy to be part of it."

73,

Bob Dannals, W2GG

And former Chapter 155 President Bob Pattison, K4DU wrote;

"I am writing to inform you that Harry Dannals, W2HD, became a Silent Key today. An active member for years of the AARC, Harry led a life devoted to promoting amateur radio, demonstrating the hobby, and helping people get their licenses.

He served as President of the ARRL for 10 years, longer than anyone else other than “The Old Man” Hiram Percy Maxim, founder of the League. He also served as President for two terms of the Quarter Century Wireless Association.  At his death, Harry was President Emeritus of both organizations.

I do not have information about when his service will be. As soon as I know I will pass that along."

Bob, K4DU

47 & 73,

Ken Oelke, VE6AFO
President, Quarter Century Wireless Association, Inc.

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