Dave, Jane, and the Ham Radio Trail

I’ve known Dave for… well, long enough that it sometimes feels like we’ve been orbiting the same sun since the dawn of time. In reality, we first crossed paths around 1989 and became roommates in 1991. He’s the one who finally nudged me into the world of amateur radio — a hobby I’d been eyeing for decades but never quite jumped into.

Dave already held an “Extra” ticket (that’s ham‑speak for Extra Class license), and with his encouragement, I earned my Technician license on August 20, 2005. I followed that with my General in April 2007 and, after a long intermission, wrapped things up with my Extra in March 2021. So thanks, Dave — for introducing me to a hobby that’s endlessly fun and absolutely terrible for the wallet.

Dave and Jane tied the knot in July 1999, and I had the honor of standing beside him as best man. I drove 1,500 miles from Albuquerque to Coldwater, Ohio just to be there. These days, I’m only about 35 miles away, and we still talk on the phone pretty regularly.

Jane retired in early 2010 and has been thoroughly enjoying the perks of not working ever since. Dave followed in November 2014 and has embraced the “lazy bum” lifestyle with admirable enthusiasm. He’s still deep into ham radio, of course, but he’s also developed a fascination with backpacking‑style camp stoves — always hunting for the perfect one. And let’s not forget the military‑style backpacks… and the most efficient way to pack them. That’s a hobby all its own.

The photos below were taken in October 2005 during one of my trips from Albuquerque to Ohio. At the time, I had no idea I’d eventually settle in Indiana. In one of the photos, you’ll see Tim and CJ — both gone far too soon. Tim passed at 55, and Claudia (CJ) at just 41. I miss them both deeply.