[Elecraft] W6MMA SK

[dyarnes]

Hi All,

It is with the deepest of regret that I am passing on the news that Vern 
Wright, W6MMA, passed away yesterday.  Vern, and his wife June, are very 
dear friends, and I can't begin to express how sad it makes me to bring news 
like this to the rest of you.  I suppose this might not be the best place to 
convey this, but I do know Vern had a wealth of good friends among this 
group.

Vern's health has not been very good in recent years, but it was probably 
made worse by a lot of stress he has had to endure in recent years.  Only a 
few short weeks ago he suffered an episode with his heart (not his first!), 
and another, even more recent episode, is probably what was ultimately 
fatal.

Vern was one of the most generous people I have ever known.  He continually 
supported many of the QRP activities, and never passed up an opportunity to 
supply very nice door prizes, etc.  Being a retired dentist, Vern was very 
good with his hands.  If anyone has seen some of the things he constructed 
(not just antennas but radios too!), you know how highly skilled he was. 
Many years back he began tinkering with antennas, mostly for portable use, 
and that led to the formation of SuperAntennas.  His model MP-1 is a 
classic, but there were numerous variations of that, including a baby 12 V. 
screwdriver version.  He made several large screwdriver antennas as well, 
and I happen to have one!  Anyway, the list is pretty long, and each item he 
created was very well made.

Ham radio, and particularly the QRP community, has lost one of its very best 
friends.  I know I have!

Dave W7AQK