W9NAF this is W9ILS/KA9RCM…………
W9NAF……..W9ILS/KA9RCM……….
It is with a Sad and Heavy heart that I report, W9NAF, Illinois Mike, of Fairfield, IL has went QRT, hanging up his mic for the very last time and is now a Silent Key.
Yep, Illinois Mike, is what we called him here on Indiana Link South, Since there were so many Mikes on the ILS network, that name just fit him well and he lived up to that name as if it was given to him at birth. Mike loved talking on the radio, so much, at times we wondered if he would ever take a breath.
Anyone who ever had the privilege of holding a conversation with him would soon find out that after Mike un-keyed, No, he wasn’t finished, Just wait a second or two and he would be back with part 2 of his transmission. He always had just a little bit more to say. These times will be truly missed.
W9NAF was faithful on Indiana Link South up until this past year as his health deteriorated keeping him away from the radio. However he would still reach out when he got feeling better at times.
There was only one thing Mike loved more than ham radio and that was NASCAR. You couldn’t hardly pull Mike into a conversation on the radio if there was a NASCAR race going on . There wasn’t a race that he would miss if he could help it. And if you wanted to know anything about NASCAR he definitely was the HAM to ask and could keep the conversation going.
Mike also was a cat guy and loved to share and swap stories about his cat and the mischief she would cause him. Nothing more would bring a big O’L smile to his face over the radio and bring out his laughter than him talking about his lovely cat.
Mike, Buddy O’l Pal, you are going to be missed here on Indiana Link South. You left us too soon! Even though we may have not meet in person, we are for sure going to miss hearing your voice on the radio and will treasure the memories and laughs that we had over the radio.
Rest in Peace My Friend.
At this time we will pause for a 1 minute moment of Silence.
N9ISU, ….. I now return Net Control back to you.
Scott Jennings
A nice tribute to Illinois Mike – Thank you.
He is missed indeed.