[SFDXA] John Bee N1GNV/SK

[Bill]

*January, 2026*



Open photo


*John Bee N1GNV/SK*




*Honoring the Legacy:

The Future of Quicksilver Radio*


*Hi bill,*

           A lot has happened and changed since the last Quicksilver 
newsletter was sent!  What hasn't changed is Quicksilver's dedication to 
serving the ham radio community.   In October 2025 John B passed away 
after a brief hospital stay and several years of health issues. John's 
vision, drive and passion for Quicksilver is the reason the company grew 
to where it is today. John and I (K3KMT) began earnestly discussing a 
business succession plan around the time of the Nutmeg Hamfest in 2024 
in Meriden, CT. We attended several hamfests together and he would ask 
me each time "are you ready?"  I would laugh him off and tell him no.  
Honestly I was intimidated by the thought of taking on such a large 
endeavor. He was persistent. He asked me to come spend a day with him at 
his shop before the 2025 Nutmeg Hamfest.  I traveled to CT and we spent 
all day together. He convinced me that the idea was feasible and could 
work.  Anyone that saw John at the hamfest in October knew it wasn't the 
John we were normally used to seeing. John's health declined rapidly 
after that show.  I got "the phone call" the morning after he passed - 
less then two weeks after the Nutmeg Hamfest.  After taking some time 
and looking at several options the family made the difficult decision to 
sell the business.
          The last month has been a whirlwind. We sent a team to CT to 
pack inventory, tooling and equipment. It was a difficult 2 days of 
packing and moving for me personally, I wish John would have been there 
to help. His knowledge, and his personality were missed.  More then 
anything, as the team at Quicksilver Radio moves forward, our goal is to 
honor John's legacy and the fond memories that the customers and his 
hamfest friends have.

          So what does the future hold? We are looking forward to 
meeting and seeing John's friends and past customers throughout the next 
year and especially at Hamcation 
<https://qsradio.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a5a6e8e950aa932d51c345073&id=e695d75deb&e=8eb55c876c> 
in Florida in February. We are trying our hardest to get to as many 
hamfests as possible. PLEASE see the hamfest schedule 
<https://qsradio.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a5a6e8e950aa932d51c345073&id=1d4f40b27b&e=8eb55c876c> 
by clicking this link. Also be sure to check out the website 
<https://qsradio.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a5a6e8e950aa932d51c345073&id=1b0e6051f0&e=8eb55c876c>, 
as we work on rebuilding it, and look for a fresh new look on the 
website - we hope by April.

         One new product that will be unveiled at Hamcation is a go box 
"Hammocan" featuring a LiFePO4 battery! Other new innovative products 
are being explored and developed as well.

Please don't forget Winter Field Day 
<https://qsradio.us10.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a5a6e8e950aa932d51c345073&id=335a4acca9&e=8eb55c876c> 
is January 24-25, just 9 days from now!  Its a great time to introduce 
someone to the magic of ham radio!  Get radioactive with your local club 
or invite a few buddies to a central location.

        Lastly, I ask for a bit of grace on your part. We are working 
our way thru bugs and kinks in the ordering system, the website and the 
email system. If we don't reply in 24 hours, we aren't intentionally 
ignoring you. Please feel free to call the store at 717-354-2200 and 
talk to a live person.

Ralph K3KMT
Team Quicksilver Radio

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