[PVRC] my buddy Tripp N4nto SK

[Mark Griffin]

I wrote this several weeks ago if the Facebook Group name HF Contestors.
I would rather be known in Ham radio for being kind, honest and respectful
with fellow Hams. I contest because it’s a good way to meet other people. I
realize my chances of winning a major contest is slim to none. One cannot
base a Contest operator only on the score they have achieved.
Tripp was one of those guys that will be remembered for his kindness
towards fellow operators as well as helping others when needed.
That is what I will remember about Tripp. I remember the POTA Presentation
that Bill, K3WA had Tripp do for the North Carolina Group. It was very
informative and presented in a way that showed Tripp's character and Love
for Ham Radio.
We will miss you my friend!
Mark Griffin, KB3Z

On Sat, Jul 5, 2025 at 7:54 AM dave collins <davetct at gmail.com> wrote:

> *In Memory of Tripp, N4NTO CWOps #2821*
>
> We lost a great man, a passionate ham operator, an avid contester, and a
> truly cherished friend on July 4th in a tragic accident. Tripp, N4NTO—as I
> always told my friends—was my “bromance.” We texted all the time, several
> times a day. We just *clicked*, especially when it came to ham radio.
> There was an instant connection—something unspoken that just worked.
>
> If a couple of days passed without hearing from him, I’d start to worry.
> Sure enough, he’d usually be out of town or called into work. Something
> always came up—but he’d always get back to me.
>
> Oddly enough, we only met once in person, and that was at Mike’s (N4GU)
> station, “The Corn Crib” (AG4TT). But that didn’t matter—our friendship was
> real.
>
> Tripp was a *POTA junkie*—and I say that with a smile. He loved
> activating parks, gamelands, or really anywhere listed on the Parks on the
> Air site. His excitement was infectious. He once told me, “It’s like making
> your own contest.” And honestly, it *is*. You get spotted, and then the
> pileup begins.
>
> As he got more into POTA, it became more than just a quick contest for
> him—it became a mission. He was always chasing new activations, and he
> loved every minute of it. Looking at his stats on the POTA.app site, Tripp
> had activated *84 different parks* and logged *over 19,000 QSOs*.
> Incredible.
>
> I had Tripp set up on my HamAlert app. If he was heard by a W3, I knew I
> could work him. His usual CW spot was 7.041 MHz. He was also interested in
> WWFF (World Wide Flora and Fauna). I believe they use the .041 frequencies
> in each band’s CW subbands, which made sense given his activity.
>
> As for *PVRC*, Tripp was a *contest nut*—and I say that with the deepest
> admiration. If there was a contest, no matter how obscure, Tripp was in. I
> remember the first time I heard his catchphrase. I asked him, “You gonna
> operate in this contest?” and he said, “Do you know Hugh?”
>
> I replied, “No, who’s Hugh?”
>
> He said, “Hugh damned right I’m entering it!”
>
> That was Tripp in a nutshell. His enthusiasm was unmatched. Regardless of
> band conditions or results, every contest to him was “grand fun,” as Mike
> (N4GU) reminded me recently.
>
> On July 4th, Tripp told me he was headed out with a group from
> Fayetteville for “Potageddon”—his words. He said he was going for an
> “education,” meeting up with the crew and planning to activate early.
>
> At 6:22 AM, I texted him to ask when the first activation would be. He
> told me around 7:30. I said I’d be around. I had a grocery pickup at 8, and
> as usual, he’d text me when he was on frequency—7.041.
>
> The RBN spotted him at 8:12 AM. I messaged that I’d be home soon and would
> work him then. But when I got back around 8:30, I didn’t hear anything. I
> checked the POTA page—no new spots. I figured maybe they were switching
> operators or frequencies. I didn’t think much of it and went on with my day.
>
> Then, a little after 1 PM, I got a call from Mike. There had been an
> accident down east, and they feared it might be Tripp.
>
> It couldn’t be—I didn’t want to believe it.
>
> I got in touch with Mark (N4MQU), a close friend of Tripp’s and someone I
> knew he was meeting that day. Later that afternoon, Mark confirmed the
> terrible news: Tripp had been in the accident and had been electrocuted.
>
> We lost a lot yesterday.
>
> My heart breaks for his family, his friends, and for everyone whose life
> he touched. He truly was one of a kind.
>
> I’m going to miss him something awful. But one day, I’ll see him again.
>
> Until then, “Skippy”—best of 73, OM. Take care.
>
> *Dave, N4CWZ*
>
> --
> Dave Collins
> David Collins GC Inc
>
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