Silent Key

Home of the Carson Valley Radio Club
(W7DEM) & (W7SR)
and the Churchill Amateur Radio Society
(KC7ARS)

Dick Flanagan
K7VC

Founder of the Carson Valley

Radio Club

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Charles Richard "Dick" Flanagan, K7VC, in May 2024. Dick's journey in amateur radio began in the summer of 1961 as WV6TEI, and over the decades, he was also known as W6OLD, WA0WZY, and WA6TEI. Throughout his illustrious career, Dick co-founded and chaired the Minnesota Repeater Council, the Southern California Repeater Association, and the Carson Valley Radio Club.

Both Dick and his wife, Melissa, KK7AA, are ARRL life members. He was honored with the ARRL Excellence in Recruiting Award, served as the ARRL Nevada Section Manager from 2003 to 2008, and chaired the ARRL VHF Repeater Advisory Committee.

Dick held a Master's degree in Computer Science from USC and enjoyed a 40-year career as a software engineer. He passionately enjoyed aviation as an Air Force veteran, freelance commercial pilot, and flight instructor.

Dick's legacy in the amateur radio community will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. His enthusiasm, dedication, and generosity of spirit touched many lives, leaving a lasting impact on the hobby he loved so dearly.

73, Dick. You will be missed, but your signal will forever resonate in our hearts.

Dick Creley
KJ7UK

Richard "Dick" Creley , KJ7UK, passed away in 2024.
Dick was very active with the Douglas County ARES program and then a valued member of the State of Nevada Emergency operations Center ARES/RACES team supporting statewide emergencies.

John Miller
N7JDM

John Miller N7JDM-SK was a friend to all. John worked for Chameleon Antenna. At Chameleon Antenna in 2016, John was instrumental in the company's growth and success. His expertise and hard work were crucial in launching Chameleon Antenna in Nevada, a milestone that marked the beginning of an era of innovation in antenna technology. John was more than just an employee; he was the heart of Chameleon Antenna's customer service. Known for his warmth and willingness to go the extra mile, he became the familiar and trusted voice for many of our customers. His approach to service was not just about solving problems but about building relationships.

Bob Miller
WA6MTY

Bob Miller WA6MTY was the EC for Washoe County ARES. Bob became the EC for Washoe on June 22, 2006. Bob was very committed to his ARES team. He was always finding events for his communicators. Everything from Bike rides/races, foot races, supplying communications support for the PODS giving out shots to the community. The Reno Air Races as security teams, Helping establish packet and voice communications for the hospitals just to name a few.

Bob made sure Ham Crams (Now Ham Review) were conducted and prospective hams were tested. He was so proud of the EMCOM1 truck for the Washoe County Ares to use. This was a work of love. If there was some event that could use ham radio he was there, even if they did not know they needed radio communications, by the time Bob talked and sold the need for ham radio support they would welcome the ARES teams with wide arms.

Mike Russo
N6EVG

Michael J Russo, age 79, of Carson City, Nevada passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2022.
"Mikey" was very active with the State of Nevada Emergency Operations Center ARES/RACES team supporting statewide emergencies.
Mikey was also vey active in ARRL contests especially using RTTY mode.

Gunther Noder

KU8B

Gunther Noder KU8B became a Silent Key Sept. 7, 2021 under hospice care at rehab. Though hampered by COVID lockdowns and mobility, Gunther participated in as many SIERA meetings and events as possible. It was a joy to hear his voice as he checked in to nets each week and let us know how he was faring. Because of some injuries incurred in falling accidents at his home at The Chateau, he had been in rehab for the past couple of months. At the August meeting, Robert Plant and Jim Sanders hooked him up with a ZOOM connection so he could be a part of that meeting. In memory of her father, his daughter, Linda, will listen in to nets for a while on his hand-held. We will miss Gunther very much. Go in peace, dear friend and 73.

Guenther was an ARRL VEC it was my honor to get my General Class upgrade with him as one of the VEC's from the SIERA club. Guenther and I had many adventures together starting with an Honor Flight Trip to Washington DC. Guenther is truly missed.