[Dx-qsl] W8AH obit

[wa8ytm]

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      Albert H. Hix=20

      Albert H. Hix, 85, died June 25, 2003, at home after a short =
illness.=20

      He was retired from Union Carbide Technical Center in 1985.=20

      Al Hix, W8AH, was known around the world by thousands of amateur =
radio operators and his pursuits in the DX or Distance aspect of the ham =
radio hobby are unsurpassed. Al's amateur radio station, operating from =
the hills of Charleston, made contact with 390 countries around the =
world placing him at the top of the American Radio Relay League's Honor =
Roll for such amateur radio pursuits. Al was the number one operator in =
the entire world for making contact with the most countries on the =
40-meter band, where he had confirmed contacts with 362 countries. Al =
was first licensed in high school, graduating from Charleston High =
school mid-year in 1936. He was a 1942 graduate of West Virginia =
University with an Electrical Engineering degree. While at WVU he was =
also in ROTC military officer's training program and upon graduation, he =
joined the military, commissioned as second lieutenant in the US Army's =
Signal Corps and served in World War II in the European Theatre in =
England, Belgium and France.=20

      After the war, Al returned to Charleston and was hired by Union =
Carbide in 1947 and worked in their control and communication department =
for 28 years. During his career, he provided his expertise in electrical =
engineering and control systems to Union Carbide facilities around the =
world. Al got his Extra Class license in 1960 as W6BT and in 1977, took =
the W8AH call which belonged to a friend of his who had become a Silent =
Key. He was voted West Virginia Outstanding Amateur Radio Operator of =
the Year in 1986, served as president of the West Virginia State Radio =
Council for two years, and is past president of the West Virginia =
Quarter Century Wireless Association. Al was vice-president of the =
Instrument Society of America (ISA) and received the prestigious ISA =
Fellow Award.=20

      Surviving are his wife, Constance G. Hix of Charleston; brother, =
James Hix of Parkersburg.=20

      Service will be 11 a.m. Monday, June 30, at Wilson Funeral Home, =
Charleston, with Chaplain (Col.) Randall A. Kochersperger officiating. =
Entombment will be in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans with military =
graveside rites.=20

      A gathering will be Sunday, June 29, at the funeral home from 5 to =
7 p.m.=20

      In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to American =
Radio Relay League, Albert H. Hix Memorial Scholarship Fund, 225 Main =
St., Mewington, CT 06111-1494.=20

      Wilson Funeral Home, Charleston is in charge of arrangements.=20
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