[ILQSO] John Matz, KB9II - SK

[Joe LeKostaj]

To ILQSO folks:

It is with much sadness that we announce our good friend and fellow 
RAMS member John Matz, KB9II passed away this week.

As some of you may know, John had surgery to remove a brain tumor 
back around 1993. In recent years he began to suffer what he called 
"events"; perhaps what could be called mini-strokes. Last week he 
suffered a massive stroke, and died on Wednesday night.

John was part of the RAMS team that made the IL QSO Party happen. He 
was a long-time ham, a Professional Engineer, a MSEE, and at one 
point was pursuing a PhD. He liked to operate the digital modes, 
including CW -- with a straight key. He would often participate in 
contests, including ILQP, making at least a handful of contacts at 
speeds that were comfortable for him. He also operated PSK and 
Hellschreiber. Having been an antenna design engineer earlier in his 
career, he also liked to experiment with HF and VHF antennas. John 
started the RAMS antenna measurement contest for VHF and UHF antennas 
that ran for several years in the 1980s. He was also an experienced 
microwave circuit design engineer.

We will miss his friendship and unmistakable laughter!

A wake will be held Sunday, June 7 in Streamwood, IL. Funeral Monday. 
Anyone wanting more details may contact me direct.

- Joe, K9LY