[ARRL-OK] Amateur Radio Looses A Good Friend

[Mark D. Conklin N7XYO]

Amateur Radio Looses A Good Friend - Legendary Radio Commentator, Tulsa
Native, Paul Harvey Dies (1918-2009)

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One of many positive stories about Amateur Radio by Paul Harvey over the
years...

Paul Harvey News and Comment, ABC Radio, March 19, 2003

America's quiet warriors are the legion of ham radio operators, 700,000 of
them, who are always at ready for backup duty in emergencies - amateur,
unpaid, uncelebrated, civilian radio operators, during and after floods
and fires and tornadoes. After the 9/11 attacks, hams were indispensable
in reuniting friends and families. Most recently it was they who expedited
the search for debris after the disaster to the space shuttle Columbia,
and right now, at this moment, they are involved in homeland security to a
greater degree than you would want me to make public.
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Feb. 28, 2009 - Phoenix, AZ - Tulsa native and legendary radio commentator
Paul Harvey has died.

His voice made him a star, but his words made him a legend. He was born in
Tulsa in 1918, the descendant of five generations of Baptist preachers. At
age 14, he discovered his pulpit -- the radio booth.

He started his career working for KVOO radio right here in Tulsa. At
first, he imitated his on-air idols, until a Tulsa program director gave
him a priceless piece of advice.

"As long as you're trying to be somebody else," Harvey remembered, "The
best you can ever hope for is to be second best."

Harvey's unique delivery was born. His staccato pacing, lively inflection
and pregnant pauses turned heads and ears.

He had an uncanny ability to weave a yard and find meaning in the
seemingly mundane.

In 1951, his popular Chicago newscast went national and he quickly became
the most familiar voice on American radio.

With the help of his wife Lynne -- who served as his producer and manager
-- success would continue year after year, decade after decade.

Harvey often railed against tax hikes, big government and the decay of
family values.

He was branded a conservative, but often clashed with both parties. During
the height of Vietnam, he famously took aim at Richard Nixon on the air,
saying "I love you, Mr. President, but you're wrong."

"If you're genuine and if you're consistent," Paul Harvey said, "Even with
those who don't necessarily agree with you will respect you."

In November 2005, Harvey received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the
nation's highest civilian honor. But, he was never one to dwell on past
awards and accomplishments.

Tomorrow, he often said, is almost always better than today. And indeed,
Paul Harvey seemed to only get better with time.

Paul died Saturday at his winter home in Phoenix, Arizona, surrounded by
his family.