[Fists] KA4IFF - Silent Key

[Stan Reas]

Fellow FISTS Members:

Telephone call today from John Frost telling me his mother, Esther Frost became a Silent Key

I also talked with Elmer, her husband and he said she was 91 years old and had a great life.

Esther was FISTS # 11 - which was the first number issued to anyone on this side of the Atlantic.

George, G3ZQS had stayed with Esther and Elmer often when visiting America.  During one of his 
trips he presented Esther with her # 11.

I always enjoyed hearing Esther reply to someone who asked her to repeat her FISTS number.  She 
would send "FISTS 11 - that is ELEVEN"

Esther and Elmer travelled around the country for many years in their big motor home.  Generally leaving 
Florida in April and not returning until November.  One year they drove the motor home to Alaska and when 
they were in Fairbanks, Elmer said lets go on up to Prudoe Bay and so they did. 

Most every year they stopped by our place on their way home and visited us.  In March for the past ten years 
we would stop by and visit them in Lakeland, FL.

Esther was a WAVE during WW2 and copied code in five letter groups and gave her copy to the fellow who 
would translate the message.  Elmer always said he got a kick out of seeing Esther writing down her copy 
of incoming CW in five letter groups even though it was sent in plain text.

Esther was a First Class operator sending smooth CW and a real joy to chat with on the air and in person.

If you'd like to send a card to Elmer, his address is:

	Elmer Frost
	1954 Bruce St		
	Lakeland, FL  33801-2438

I will sorely miss her !

73, Stan - K4UK