Silent Keys

Chuck Kranz

WA7OEF

Chuck Kranz passed away on August 2, 2019. He and I connected through the ham radio hobby several years ago and enjoyed many conversations over the airwaves and at local events. He helped my husband assemble one of our most awesome antennas and we’ve had breakfast and lunch with him on occasion. He was one of my favorite people to talk to about science (especially the space program), music, old time TV and movie trivia, airplanes, and of course, amateur radio. I learned about Moonalice from him, he was a big fan of theirs. For anyone who doesn’t know, you can look up Moonalice on YouTube and sometimes spot Chuck in the videos. He sure enjoyed concerts and went to many!

We’ve talked a lot on the 2m and 1.25m bands and a few days before he died, he and I and a couple of other local hams established communication with each other on the 6m band. That was a fun evening!

One thing I always appreciated about Chuck was this. Once in awhile a subject would come up that we did not agree on. He was one of those people who could agree to disagree and stay friends. And I felt the same way. That is missing all too often in this day and age. Chuck had a good heart, a good soul, and I’m happy to have known him. He will be missed in Lake County. I hope that where he is now, he has connected with some of the long-gone musicians that he loved. And I hope there is flying, sailing, and ham radio involved.

WA7OEF, 73 and rock on, from KK6TNH and Lake County hams!

John Findley

WB6UUK

Dr. John Eugene Findley, also known as Jack, passed peacefully on June 11, 2019. He was 89. He left his loving wife of 64 years, Nancy, and his children, John Findley II and Linda Findley Jennings. All live in Cobb, CA. His grandsons, John III and Dananda Bennett reside in California. He had many nieces and nephews across the country.

Jack was born on July 24, 1929 in Osawatomie, Kansas to John Madison Findley and Leila Myrtle Scott, both from Missouri. He is survived by his sister, Barbara McCall of Newton, Kansas.

Jack lived a simple life built on education, service and family. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a B.S. in Chemistry before serving in the Army. During the Korean War, he was stationed in Washington, D.C. as a lab technician. His early married years were spent in California where he worked for Van De Camp. He spent a year providing quality control in their plant in American Samoa. In 1965, Jack returned with his family to Lawrence, Kansas to further his education. He earned his Ph.D. in Microbiology in 1973. The family moved back to Southern California because he and Nancy loved it there. Jack worked in several businesses in Long Beach in Research and Development, mostly in food related businesses. He also worked for many years at the University of Southern California, researching the potential use of microorganisms to extract petroleum from shale. He retired in 1994.

He had a life long love of technology. He was a skydiver, an avid amateur radio operator for decades, and a pilot of a Cessna that he loved.

A private service will be held in Cobb, California with immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lake County Amateur Radio Society California, 75 Lafferty Road, Lakeport CA 95453-6101

Chuck Heath

K6ZIZ

Charles Heath passed away on November 21st 2018. He was loved and cherished by many people including his loving wife, Liz Phillips Heath, his parents, Beatrix Heath, John R. Heath, and his children who live out of state. He will be sorely missed.

Fred Gaul

KI6KDT

CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Frederick Burdette Gaul passed away on Sept. 9, 2018, at his home in Clearlake. He was 78 years old. He was born July 21, 1940, to parents Eva and Hugh Gaul in Sacramento. Fred had two brothers who died, so he grew up as an only child. His family moved to Southern California where he attended school. At age 18, while a student at Paramount High School in Paramount, he met his future wife, Ruth, then 15. Fred graduated from high school in 1959 and served for a time in the Merchant Marines. On Feb. 25, 1961, Fred and Ruth married in Artesia, Calif. They would continue living in Southern California until 1969, when they moved their young family of four children to San Pablo and later Richmond in the San Francisco Bay Area. During that time, Fred worked as a machinist in Oakland. Fred followed his three sons into the Boy Scouts program as an involved parent and, before long, he moved up the adult ranks to district chairman of scouting. He volunteered with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office and was recognized for securing funds to purchase a K9 for the San Pablo Police Department. He was the president of the San Pablo Chamber of Commerce and in the mid 1980s he was honored as San Pablo’s Man of the Year. The Gauls made their next big move over the July 4 weekend in 2000, when they moved to their home in Clearlake. Both Fred and Ruth became devoted community volunteers when they arrived in Lake County. Fred was a member of the Volunteers in Policing for the Clearlake Police Department, and also was a Lakeport Police and Lake County Sheriff’s Office volunteer. He did code enforcement for the city of Clearlake, worked at the hospice thrift store and held a General Amateur Radio License. He also was a member of the Clearlake Planning Commission. After a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease, Fred passed away at home, with Ruth, his children and grandchildren by his side. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ruth; children, Randolph Gaul of Mesa, Ariz., Daniel Gaul of Milo, Iowa, Michael Gaul of Sandy, Oregon, and Cheryl Gaul of San Francisco; nine grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren and one on the way.

No services will be held.

Memorial donations are requested to the Clearlake Police Department K9 Program.

(Lake County News)

Donald Clay

KK6TNJ

Donald Leroy Clay KK6TNJ, born in 1940, passed away on July 13th at Fort Miley, VA Medical Center in San Francisco. Mr. Clay is survived by his children, Donald Leroy Clay Jr. and Dale Copas. He also leaves behind two grandchildren, Joshua Copas and Serena Copas. Donald Leroy Clay grew up in Upper Lake. He was the son of Donald and Norma Clay. He joined the US Navy in 1958 and he was a veteran of the Vietnam War. A memorial will be held Friday, August 11, at 10 a.m., at the Upper Lake Cemetery. (Lake County Record-Bee)

Don was a welcome member of the ham radio community in Lake County. He faithfully supported the Senior Support Services by operating their radio in our Health Services communication drills.He selflessly sought to serve the community in many ways, always modest and quiet in his approach. We will miss him and will honor him as a "silent key" in the radio community. (Karen Tait)

Pamela Plank

KF6BCS

Loraine Elvira Needham Watters Born on July 15, 1934, and died on February 16, 2016, in Patterson, CA, after a short illness. She was in Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock for 8 days and then transferred via hospice to her daughter Melissa's and Art's home where she died peacefully surrounded by family. Born in the Catskill Mountains of New York State on a small family farm where she enjoyed swimming and playing with her three sisters, Doreen, Therese, and Joan, and her brother, Paul. Joan and my mom loved to tease and play tricks on the other two sisters, Doreen and Therese. Loraine went into the Navy Women's Reserve (WAVES) in Bainbridge, Maryland, in 1954 where she met her first husband, Robert Trethewey. Loraine and Robert's first child, Charlotte, was born on the Navy base and after a year the couple moved to the Modesto California area, and had three more children, William, Richard and Elisabeth (twins). There were many moves due to Robert's banking job: Modesto, Reedley, Sacramento, Stockton, and San Jose. Loraine and Robert Trethewey were divorced in 1969. Loraine had met the true love of her life, Arthur Watters, and they were married in 1971. A few years later they had a baby girl, Melissa, who had red hair just like her daddy. After Melissa had grown Mom and Papa moved from San Jose to Lakeport, (they called it their extended honeymoon) California, where they were involved in amateur radio club, senior citizens' programs, county fair, organ club, and miniature trains. After Papa died Loraine moved to Patterson to be closer to family. In Patterson she attended Golden Valley Baptist Church, daily lunches at the Senior Center, and Monday lunches at Hometown Buffett with her Navy buddies. Mom loved to crochet and dabble in art. Most of all she loved to have Samuel and Thomas over to play in her backyard. She is survived by two sisters, Theresa Cheney (Paul) and Joan Seybolt (Curtis); children, Charlotte Noriega (Steve), Bill Trethewey (Kathi), Nancy Trethewey, Richard Trethewey (Marsha), Elisabeth Sedman (Dave), and Melissa Amarillas (Art); grandchildren, Mark Noriega (Andrea), Steven Noriega Jr. (Audra), James Trethewey (Amber), David Trethewey (Emily), Jack Trethewey, Deanna Trethewey, Nikki Jaynes (Arthur), Jeremy Sedman, Chris Sedman, Samuel Amarillas, Thomas Amarillas, and Eric Barr; great-grandchildren, Tiffany Bertero (Angelo Bertero due in June 2016), Isla Trethewey, and Daisy Mae Trethewey; nieces and nephews, Christian Cheney (Marlene), Andrew Cheney, and Terry Cheney Daniels (John). Loraine is also survived by many dear friends and extended family. Loraine was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Watters; her parents, Elvira and Harry Needham; brother, Paul; and sister, Doreen. The most important thing in life for our mom, Loraine, was family and friends. Family and friend gatherings were always cherished celebrations. (Lake County Record-Bee)

Dave Williams

W6SBD

Dave Williams was an electronic engineer for many years. When he came to Lake county he worked as a communications tech for the county and he also had a 2 way radio business for many years installing and maintaining fleets of radios for many organizations. He also did a lot of sound work for events such as the Passion Play. He did some work on the old KBLC radio station which later became KXBX and in fact he had a talk show on that station for a couple of years back in the 80s. He was one of the founders of LCARS and served as the President for more than 20 years of its existence. He was a collector of old obsolete commercial radio equipment and really enjoyed working on it and making it work again. He built and worked on some broadcast transmitters that ended up in different parts of the world for several religious organizations. He was crotchety but kind and generous man who loved to talk to people about lots of subjects. He was very well know in the Bay area from his work in the electronic industry down there. He really enjoyed his nicknames such as Sage Brush Dave and Captain Cough Drop since he resembled one of the Smith brothers pictures on the cough drop package. We used his call for several years at field day and he really enjoyed that and it always worked out well. He will be missed!

N6XVP

Richard Petty

August 19, 1924 - March 16, 2012

Richard was born August 19, 1924 in North Dakota to Sam and Pauline Petty, and passed away March 16, 2012 in Ukiah, CA. He had lived in Willits from 1932 to 1963. Residing in Clearlake, CA at the time of his death, Richard had been a self-employed truck driver for over 50 years; was an avid ham radio operator, and he served on the Clearlake Water Board. Richard is survived by his daughters, Winnie (David) Edgar of Willits, and Bonnie (Bill) Gerwe of Ukiah; son, Richard (Judy) Petty of Scappoose, OR; brother and sister, Robert Petty and Louise Wilkes, both of Willits. He is also survived by six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren, two nieces and four nephews.

Richard was pre-deceased by his parents, Sam and Pauline Petty of Willits; and by his wife of 50 years, Gladys Ilene Petty.

Private services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Anker-Lucier Mortuary of Willits.

WS6A

Don Brejska

1925-2009

Don Brejska has lived in Middletown for the past 30 years or so. Don and his wife Patty lived in Northern Middletown and ran a office machine repair business for many years. With the computer craze and the decreasing number of mechanical office machines Don decided to retire and do some camping and fishing which was one of his favorite pass times. He bought a trailer and along with Patty and his dog they went on several trips with many of his ham friends. Don and Patty were not only husband and wife but also the best of friends and truly enjoyed each others company. They celebrated their 50^th wedding anniversary by renewing their wedding vows and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Unfortunately Patty passed away just a few weeks later and Don found himself alone. It was a rough time for him not only had he lost his wife but he started experiencing some very severe health problems. Don managed to hang in with the help of his trusty dog and several ham friends as well as his family. Don could be heard very early in the morning before the Sun woke up with some of his ham friends talking about fishing, gophers, dog tricks and many other projects he was working on. Don didn’t dwell on his ailments and always offered a kind word to everyone he talked to. He managed to survive for 13 years after the loss of Patty and along with his new dog they braved some road trips and caught some fish and swapped stories with his pals.

When Don was still working he used to make a trip around the lake in his green and white Dodge van and would meet several hams on Tuesdays at the Frostee Corral in Lakeport. The group grew and grew until we darned near filled the place. Everyone always looked forward to seeing Don and they always put him at the head of the table. Don upgraded to Extra in the early 80s and changed his call from WA6TTZ to WS6A. We used to tease him by calling him by his old call and getting him to use it over and over and we would laugh and laugh at him but he loved every minute of it. Don was an excellent CW operator and a very classy phone operator as well. If you ever stopped by his house he would always offer you a cold drink and a chair. He was a good man and a good friend and he will be missed. Compliments of: Tom Patton N6GJM

N6NHX

Helen J. Rolly

Helen Rolly, N6NHX was a very sweet, kind and intelligent lady. Helen was the wife of Bill, N6CP who was a beloved Lake County ham. After Bill passed away Helen decided to make use of all of Bill’s equipment and studied hard and passed her ham test. She immediately became a member of LCARS and was very active in many of the activities of the club. Helen was a Cal Fire Volunteer in Prevention and helped provide supplemental communications for Cal Fire and participated in road patrols during Red Flag fire conditions. She worked as a radio operator during the Konocti Cup Sail Boat regatta for many years. She manned a rest stop for the Davis Double Century Bike Ride as well as the Lung Association run and walk. She looked for lost kids and parents at the Lake County fair for many years. She could always be counted on for help and she even very generously donated the use of her beautiful Honda Generator for Field Day activities for many years. She was a active supporter of LCARS and ham radio in general. Helen also called the Monday night net for a few years and did a fine job. Helen would always donate her time to go to the hospital and cheer up many of our long gone but not forgotten ham friends. She would always ask “What can I do to help”. Though she moved away many years ago she will always be remembered as a classy Lake County Hamand like her husband Bill she too was a beloved LCRS member.

Helen J. Rolly has peacefully passed away today, Thursday, August 06, 2009.

Her husband Bill Rolly, N6CP preceeded her passing in 1983. Both were active members

of the club in Lakeport.

Her son, Douglas, and family can be contacted at : Douglas Rolly <drollylmft@sbcglobal.net>

WA6ZKS

ART WATTERS 1940-2008

Arthur passed away August 16, 2008 in his home surrounded by family.

Art will be loved and missed by his wife Loraine (Needham), daughters and sons, Melissa Amarillas, Charlotte Noriega, Bill Trethewey, Richard Trethewey, Elisabeth Sedman and 11 grandchildren.

Art was an active and reserve member of the Navel Services from 1962-1968. Art was employed with IBM from 1967-1992 and retired to Lakeport in 1994.

Art had a love for hobbies. He was a Ham Radio extra class, his call letters are WA6ZKS.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, August 21st at 4:00 PM at Vista Park, Lakeport, CA.

A Celebration of Life will follow the service at 1986 Hartley, Lakeport, CA.

Memorial Donations can be made to:

The Allegro Foundation

c/o Tom Ganoung

315 Avenue A

Lakeport, CA 95453

For further information call Chapel of the Lakes, 263-0357 or 994-5611 or visit www.chapelofthelakes.com.

Please share your memories by signing the guest book at www.recordbee.com.

(Published in the Lake County Record Bee on August 21.2008.)

Art was an excellent machinist. His other hobbies were fishing (fly-fishing was his favorite), NASCAR, playing the organ, guitar and bass picker, singing, his computer and Ham Radio. These are just some of what Art was all about. He will be missed tremendously.

KD6CJT

BILL ATTEBERRY 1919-2009

From the Lake County Record Bee

Bill passed away peacefully on Tuesday with his wife Dorothy and son Ron by his side.

He leaves behind two other sons, Ray in Beaverton, Oregon and Tom in Billings, Montana.

Born in Texas, he was a man of few words, but could really laugh when he found something funny. As Teddy Roosevelt once said, Dad "walked softly and carried a big stick". His anger, although rarely ever seen, was something to be reckoned with. He was a WWII veteran and was with the Navy Aircore in the Pacific. He was a great father and a loving husband.

He will be dearly missed.

RON OLIVER

JANUARY 14, 1937 - JUNE 9, 2009

Chief Master Sgt. Oliver was born Jan. 14, 1937, in Oakland, Calif., the son of Marshall and Minnie (Vecellio) Oliver.

He died Tuesday, June 9, 2009.

He was raised and educated in Oakland, graduating from Castlemont High School in 1955. Chief Master Sgt. Oliver entered the U.S. Army after high school, then the U.S. Air Force, in which he had a tour in Vietnam and proudly served his country for more than 22 years. He was united in marriage to Carol Lee Watt in 1957 in Oakland, Calif. After retiring in 1977, he worked in Clearlake, Calif., as a school bus mechanic and a counterman for NAPA. He and Carol moved from Clearlake to Myrtle Point in 2003.

In 1953, Ronald became licensed in ham radio. He was a lifetime member of the American Radio Relay League. His call sign was W7VU and Ex K6AYD. He founded the Southern Oregon Coast Chapter No. 220 of the Quarter Century Wireless Association. He also was involved in founding of the Lake County A's, a club for Ford Model A enthusiasts and was a member of the VFW.

Ronald is survived by his wife, Carol of Myrtle Point; two sons, Ken and Scott, both of Texas; and a daughter, Debra of Florida. He leaves a sister, Marti; and father-in-law, William of California; nine grandchildren; four step-grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.

From QRZ.com

Licensed while in high school in 1953 as KN6AYD, I have always been interested in electronics. During a three-year stint in the United States Army I worked in the Microwave Radio Repair field. For the next twenty years I served as a Jet Engine Maintenance Superintendent in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant.

My duty assignments included Formosa (now Taiwan), Ft. Monroe, VA, Langley AFB, VA, George AFB, CA, McConnell AFB, KS, Korat and Takhli Royal Thai Air Bases in Thailand, Hickam AFB, HI, Holloman AFB, NM, Hill AFB, UT, Malmstrom AFB, MT, Elmendorf AFB, AK and Travis AFB, CA.

Aircraft I worked on included the F-102, F-105, F-106, EB-57, C-141 and C-5.

During my travels with the military, I held the callsigns K6AYD, KL7IET, KH6GEA, WAØLCN, WB6JGL and W4PZZ.

I enjoy collectiog callbooks and old transmitting tubes, building antennas, and being an ARRL Volunteer Examiner.

My wife of 51 years, is Carol, N6UZQ.

I am a Life Member of the ARRL and a founding member of Southern Oregon Chapter 220 of QCWA.

Visit the QCWA Chapter 220 web site at http://www.geocities.com/qcwa220/

JAMES W. CROWLEY

1924 - 2009

He was one of the control operators of the 147.195 linked repeater system over in the valley. That system is one of the largest in Northern Calif. He also did a lot of traffic handling on the HF bands. He was a former Cal Fire Volunteer in Prevention as well.

From QRZ.com

Retired Merchant Marine R.O. Ashore worked as technical writer in aerospace industry. Enjoying ham radio during retirement. Hang out on "Noontime Net" (7268.5), Western Public Service (3952), and CA "Traffic" Net (3905).