[ARRL-OK] Fw: Gene Nailon, K5DLE - SK

[Jim Wilhite]

This is a special week for me.  Now that Gene is gone, I am at a bit of 
loss.  My mother of 63 years passed away last Friday, she was 93.  I mention 
this only because she was my true elmer.  Thinking I might expend some of my 
teen age energy on something contructive, she arranged for me to visit 
W5IPV, Gene Robertson.

>From that meeting in 1954, I formed a relationship that lasted until Gene 
died.  He tutored me through the Novice and Conditional licenses.  His, and 
my mother's, attention led me to a career in electronics that lasted a 
lifetime.  From amateur radio to commercial land mobile to avionics, to 
teaching electronics, I carried their inspiration.

I just discovered another tie to Gene that I did not know existed.  I 
learned to fly at Catlin Aviation in 1966-67.
I cannot even begin to express my sorrow at his passing.  He was the most 
successful recruiter for QCWA that I have ever known.  I try to emulate him 
when I talk to prospective members, but, I know I will never reach his level 
nor his sincerity.

I do hope that the chapter will be stongly represented at his funeral.  At a 
time such this, as I can attest, his family will need support.  To Gene, who 
gave all he had, I wish the best of what comes.

73  Jim
W5JO


>I received the following info from Gene, KA5CNT,
> a very close friend of Gene Nailon, K5DLE.
>
> I had known Gene for many years and worked for
> him at Catlin Aviation from 1981-1984 after I
> retired from the Air Force.
>
> He was a mainstay and tireless supporter of
> Chapter 63 Oklahoma Chapter of Quarter Century
> Wireless Association (QCWA) and the national
> organization.
>
> Gene had been a pilot for close to 50 years and
> had probably close to 10,000 flying hours.  He
> was multi-engine and instrument rated, but had
> not flown in several years due to heart trouble.
>
> 73, Gene and R.I.P.
>
> Mac, K2GKK