[RVRC] John Basilotto, W5GI SK

[Bryan D. Boyle]

 From QRZ:

JOHN P BASILOTTO, W5GI, passed away Thursday after a lengthy battle with 
Cancer. John was 64 years old.

John, most recently, was as sales manager with Flex Radio for several 
years. Many have met John at the various ham conventions expounding the 
virtues of the Flex Radio design. Because of Johns vast knowledge of ham 
radio and its history, he was instrumental in bringing Flex Radio to the 
forefront of HF radio manufacturers.

John is also the designer of the W5GI Mystery Antenna of which thousands 
have been sold and are in use every day.

John first became interested in short wave radio in 1956 at the age of 
10. In 1958, he convinced his dad to get a CB license-2Q6383, John was 
"unit 1", thus began his two way radio activities. His uncle, Tony 
WA2OMF, was his Elmer and under his supervision, John operated on the 
amateur bands until he got his first ham license in Jan 1961 as WV2RIV. 
John also held the call signs WA2RIV, WB2AJZ, WA8ZAN, KC2EH, DA1VJ, and 
HP1XUT. All of his wishes, dreams and aspirations with respect to ham 
radio have been fulfilled. Said John, “praise God who made it all happen”!

Most will remember John as one of the great audio voices frequently 
heard on 14.185 MHz. John is survived by his lovely wife Pat, to whom he 
has been married for 45 years, and his two sons and daughter as well as 
grandkids. You can read about Johns journey through his illness at: 
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/johnbasilotto/mystory . Funeral and 
service arrangements will be posted at the above web site. John will be 
interned at Arlington National Cemetery; the date will be posted at 
Caring Bridge after arrangements have been made.

-- 
Bryan
In this world, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant.
Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant.
You may quote me.