Silent Keys

Silent key is a term of respect for a deceased amateur radio operator. The term originated with telegraph operators and continued with early wireless and then amateur radio operators. The term SK is used in telegraphy to indicate an end of transmission. Today, the term is commonly used within the wireless community as a sign of respect and condolence regardless of whether the deceased was actually a licensed amateur radio operator.

Marcus Lockard
Date of passing: April 13, 2018
RCA member
Obituary

Frank Rodriguez, KB2VCB
Date of passing: March 4, 2018
RCA member since 1987, Fellow since 2004
Obituary

Tom Sorley
Date of passing: February 3 2018
RCA member since 2011, recipient of NPSTC’s Richard DeMello award in 2015
Obituary

Ronald Frisbie
Date of passing: January 28, 2018
RCA member since 1988; Fellow since 1995
Obituary

Lance Howell
Date of passing: January 21, 2018
RCA member since 2003
Obituary

Alfred H. Grebe, Jr.
Date of passing: December 10, 2017
RCA member since 1953, Life Member since 1992 and Fellow since 1959

Ray Schulenberg
Date of passing: July 17, 2017
RCA member since 2014, RCA Ralph Batcher Award recipient in 2014
Obituary

Morgan McMahon, N6VY
Date of passing: May 20, 2017
First RCA Ralph Batcher Award recipient in 1976

Gaetano “Tom” Amoscato, President Emeritus
Date of passing: December 26, 2016
RCA member since 1973, Life Member since 1975 and Fellow since 1981

John Hayes Caperton II
Date of passing: December 5, 2016
RCA member since 1969, Fellow since 1979
Obituary

Sam (J.S.) Chattaway
Date of passing: October 14, 2016
RCA member since 1990
Obituary

Robert Lynn Sanders
Date of passing: August 27, 2016
RCA member since 2007
Obituary