Low-Band Titan John Devoldere, ON4UN, SK

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A giant in the field of low-band DXing and contesting, John Devoldere, ON4UN/AA4OI, of Merelbeke, Belgium, died on 9th November 2020. An ARRL Life member, he was 79 and had been in failing health. In addition to his enthusiasm for operating, Devoldere may be best known as the author of the popular book ON4UN’s Low-Band DXing, published by ARRL, as well as other books, including Ethics and Operating Procedures for the Radio Amateur, which he co-authored with Mark Demeuleneere, ON4WW. The book is hosted on the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 1 website.

“Ham radio, and especially low-band DXing, were my father’s lifelong passions and always had a strong presence in our house. Though I don’t have a call sign, I very much feel a part of the big radio family and always will.”
— Marleen Devoldere

Oldest Known US Radio Amateur, Cliff Kayhart, W4KKP, SK

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Oldest Known US Radio Amateur, Cliff Kayhart, W4KKP, SK

Charles Clifford “Cliff” Kayhart, W4KKP, of White Rock, South Carolina, died on October 26, a few days past his 109th birthday. An ARRL member, he was the oldest known US radio amateur and possibly the oldest ham in the world.

Last November, Roanoke Division Director Bud Hippisley, W2RU; Vice Director Bill Morine, N2COP, and South Carolina Section Manager Marc Tarplee, N4UFP, jointly presented Kayhart with ARRL’s Centurion Award, which honours centenarian members with at least 40 years of ARRL membership. On that occasion, Hippisley interviewed Kayhart.

First licensed in 1937 as W2LFE in New Jersey, he also held W9GNQ. According to his obituary, Kayhart built his first radio at the age of nine. After working for New York Telephone Company as a young man, he became enamoured with engineering, so he headed off to Tri-State University in Indiana, graduating with a degree in aeronautical engineering. Afterwards, he went to work for RCA in New Jersey, becoming a quality control manager. Positions followed at Philco Radio and Bendix Aviation.

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Sterling Mann, N0SSC, Named IARU Region 2 Liaison for Youth

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Sterling Mann, N0SSC, Named IARU Region 2 Liaison for Youth

Sterling Mann, N0SSC, has been named as the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Region 2 Liaison for Youth, the IARU Region 2 Executive Committee (EC) has announced. With the support of IARU Region 2, the Liaison for Youth will reach out to young hams throughout the Americas and their member-societies to develop and promote interest in amateur radio on the part of young hams through self-sustaining groups and activities.

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