[SFDXA] Pete Rimmel N8PR SK

[John Sharp]

It's hard for me to find words to describe my relationship with Pete. My first meeting with him was his DX presentation at the Gold Coast club the month after I got my ticket and passed my General test. I always "blamed" Pete for getting me hooked on DX. After that , he was my number 1 Elmer in so many ways. The words "I will miss him"  will never be enough. 73 Pete from KATOOSHA.

I remember making a DX call from Pete's house after I passed my general and how nervous I was. I also remember all the funny stories he would tell at the lunches we shared.  God Bless - 73  Denise - Pete always called me Kermimme.

________________________________
From: sfdxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net <sfdxa-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of Bill <bmarx at bellsouth.net>
Sent: Thursday, September 24, 2020 9:27 AM
To: 'SFDXA Reflector' <sfdxa at mailman.qth.net>; QCWA <qcwa69 at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [SFDXA] Pete Rimmel N8PR SK


It is with a very sad heart we report that Pete Rimmel - N8PR passed
away Monday September 21st after a long illness.

One of the good guys has gone on to work DX In the Sky...

"Kilowatt Eight Under Nourished Pete" was anything but. His personality
was Bigger Than Life. He strove for more . He wanted and received the
callsign N8PR when the Vanity Program came to be. Everyone has heard "N8
Peter Rabbit" and "N8 Pirate Radio" many times.

A Kind and Generous man. A Mensch to some. He was Helpful and
knowledgeable and so Unselfish with his time. A man of many Talents and
Accomplishments. He never failed to help anyone that asked. He put up
antennas, he took down antennas and as the SFDXA Antenna Busters in the
1980's helped out many Amateurs installing, moving and transporting
antennas.

His religion was an important part of his life. He lived near his church
and volunteered his time to the Church and whoever needed help.

I first met Pete at a the SFDXA Table at the Miami Hamfest in the early
1980's. It was held at the Hollywood Dog Track in those days. He was a
Member of the South Florida DX Association and it piqued my interest a
once again in DXing, this time from Florida where I had recently
traveled to by boat. Meetings those early years were held at members
homes. We all went to Pete's house in Hollywood many times. He never
said no to to helping someone or some club. Pete always held meetings,
contests and training classes at his home.

Years later at the most recent Miami Hamfest, I watched him talk with
two boys about 10 years old about the Wonders of Ham Radio. He had their
full attention for over 30 minutes.

He was a Folk Singer, Musician, Song Writer, Boat Captain, Author,
Teacher, Trainer...He Sailed Around The World. He ran his own Marine
Chemistry business for over 30 years.

His Ham Station was always undergoing changes. New antennas, a new
towers, he designed and built many of his own antennas. He designed a
Collapsible Portable Quad that was printed in June QST 2014. He was at
my house not long ago where he dropped off an old Moseley Antenna he
thought I'd like, and then came back for a 30' aluminum boom I had...he
was building a 60 meter vertical.

He's Won many Contests, and was one of the First In The World to work 11
band DXCC. He participated in all aspects of DXing, he loved 160, Grid
Chasing, Challenge and was integral in setting up W1AW/4 for the ARRL
Centennial. He traveled to many countries always with a radio to DX from
wherever he was.ZB, PJ2, PJ7, KG4 and held ZF2EM and C6AHR calls. He
enjoyed every part of the Hobby.

Pete was a member of the important DX Advisory Committee, an ARRL Card
Checker. He revitalized the QCWA Chapter #69 and enjoyed it's succesful
return with others. He's been Officer and important Member of the Davie
Cooper Amateur Radio Club, The Florida Contest Group.

And he was long time Member and Past President of the South Florida DX
Association, (SFDXA) and Awarded SFDXA Member Emeritus Status. Pete was
the driving force behind the Club Station,  Antennas and is the Trustee
of the SFDXA Club callsign K4FK.

Everyone that knew him has a Pete Story...or many. I've only touched on
what I know.

His Sister Sally has been By His Side during his serious health issues
this past year. Sally is staying at Pete's house indefinitely to close
out his affairs.

We know Pete is 'UP' in Heaven getting a Station together and Mapping
out his Antennas in the Clouds.

Because "What part of 'UP' don't you understand"...
( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5pox8STOZw )

(http://www.n8pr.org/)

N8PR RIP Old Friend and Good DX...

Bill Marx W2CQ
______________________________________________________________
South Florida DX Assoc. "SINCE 1974"
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