[R-390] Dick Walser passes away -- was remanufacturer of R-390A's in the 70's and 80's

[Tom Bridgers]

    I just learned that Dick Walser passed away on November 2.  He was 85
years old.  Dick was mentioned often in the HollowState Newsletter back in
the 1980's and early 1990's...

    What is not as well known is that Dick co-founded Airborne Electronics,
a firm that remanufactured R-390A's in the 1970's and 1980's.  In addition
to rebuilding nearly 1,000 radios for companies such as Columbia
Electronics,  agencies of the US government and defense agencies of various
South American countries, his company also designed a switch selected
USB/LSB module (that sat on an L-shaped bracket behind the front panel),
complete with a "new" front panel relettered to be consistent with the
USB/LSB switch.

    Dick was one of the nicest gentlemen I've ever met.  His knowledge of
R-390A's and R-390's (and electronics in general) was enormous, and he would
readily and enthusiatically answer technical questions from anyone who
called.  I'll miss Dick Walser very much ... as I'm sure all of us will who
ever had any contact with him.  Dick leaves a legacy of a pioneering spirit,
sterling character, devotion to family and lovely wife DeeDee of 60 years,
and an unselfish willingness to helping others that are the hallmarks of a
well-respected elder statesman.

--tom