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Manager - AB7RG
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Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK

Created by on 2004-04-06
W4AN SK

Well-known contester and friend to many, Bill Fisher W4AN, became a SK on April 4, 2004. Those of us who knew Bill are shocked and saddened.

The memorial services for Bill will be held at:

L W McDonald & Son Funeral Home & Crematory150 Sawnee DrCumming, GA 30040Phone: (770) 886-9899

on Saturday, April 10, 2004 at 10 AM.

Other details will be posted here or on Contesting.com and also on the CQ-Contest email reflector.

KG7GA2004-05-03
A message from Bill's Mom.
Linda Ortman (Bill's Mom) asked me to post this, she felt that the hams closest to Bill would enjoy it tremendously. - Garth KG7GA

--

Dalonegah 4/10/2004

In the warm sunshine of that spring day, we scattered Bill's ashes at his beloved Dalonegah station.
In the cool, soft rain of the night, he returned to the mountains that he adored.

No longer bound by this world, but a part of it.
No longer tied to one place, one time, but free.

Every time you feel the warm sunshine on your face,
Every time you hear the rain softly falling outside your window,
No matter where you are, no matter how far you travel in this big, wide open world,
Remember that Bill's love goes with you; remember Bill is there.

Love from W4AN's Mom   73
KC0OFZ2004-04-10
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
While we as hams may not always see eye to eye we are all a family. We have lost a family member. To the staff of "eham" and the family of W4AN I offer my deepest sympathy. God's blessing and God Speed to Bill Fisher and his friends and family.
73
KC0OFZ
Reply to a comment by : N2MG on 2004-04-06

My friends, I am incredibly saddened and practically overwhelmed by this news. The sense that things will "never be the same" weighs heavily on my mind. Certainly in another few days, a touch of normalcy will return and we can begin to discuss the machinations of eHam, etc. In the meantime, we must hope nothing requires much of any attention. I will miss his leadership - Bill had a way of low-pass filtering the noise from both the users and the eHam management team and trying to maintain focus. Mostly I will miss him as a friend, fellow ham and contester, and straight shooting guy. Mike N2MG webmaster
K4SX2004-04-10
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I just found out about Bill's untimely and unexpected passing having been out of town for the last several days. Bill was an extremely nice person and a value to the Amateur community. Bill will be missed.
K3BU2004-04-10
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
We mourn the departure of one of the shining stars of Amateur and Contesting sky. True amateur and contester who pushed the limits not only in operating arena but also in the station building and helping to promote our passions with eHam.net. Shining example to others, devoted to family and friends.
We will miss you, but your contributions and memory will live in our hearts! RIP W4AN

Yuri, K3BU, VE3BMV, VE1BY
Reply to a comment by : W6IZT on 2004-04-09

I first met Bill in the early 90s. He bought an SB-220 from me. Damn if if the filament transformer didn't give up the first time he used it! He was such a class act I was more than happy to restore it to working condition. A few years later he came over to help me do some antenna work with Graeme in tow. Graeme was about a year old at the time and my kids kept him entertained while Bill helped me repair my damaged quad. He was a loving parent. Through the years we crossed paths several times in both ham radio and professional circles. He was always a gentleman, whose confidence and accomplishments were something that I always admired. I wish I had taken the time to get to know him better. I can only aspire to be the first class citizen and operator that Bill was. He set a high standard that we should all strive for. My sympathies and condolences to his family and close friends. Bill had a positve effect on the lives of those who knew him. God bless you Bill, you are in a better place. 73 Gregg W6IZT Blairsville GA.
W6IZT2004-04-09
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I first met Bill in the early 90s. He bought an SB-220 from me. Damn if if the filament transformer didn't give up the first time he used it! He was such a class act I was more than happy to restore it to working condition. A few years later he came over to help me do some antenna work with Graeme in tow. Graeme was about a year old at the time and my kids kept him entertained while Bill helped me repair my damaged quad. He was a loving parent.

Through the years we crossed paths several times in both ham radio and professional circles. He was always a gentleman, whose confidence and accomplishments were something that I always admired.

I wish I had taken the time to get to know him better. I can only aspire to be the first class citizen and operator that Bill was. He set a high standard that we should all strive for.

My sympathies and condolences to his family and close friends. Bill had a positve effect on the lives of those who knew him. God bless you Bill, you are in a better place.

73

Gregg
W6IZT
Blairsville GA.
N7UN2004-04-09
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
It is appropriate to remind readers that these postings are in celebration of Bill’s life and all the significant contributions and personal influence he had on many, many people. This is an on-going eulogy commemorating the positive in his life and each of us should be respectful of those mourning this loss, both with Bill’s immediate family and his extended ham radio family.

I have only met Bill in passing at Dayton but was immediately impressed with his confidence, accomplishments, and sense of direction in his life. If only each of us could take a piece of the example of his virtue and integrity to improve our own lives…..

Guy, N7UN/2
Reply to a comment by : on N.A.

W8JI2004-04-09
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
Georgia Memorial Services Saturday 4/10/04
Memorial services are at:
L W McDonald and Son Funeral Home and Crematory
150 Sawnee Dr.
Cumming, GA 30040
(770) 886-9899
10AM receiving and 11AM Memorial services.
There will be a luncheon afterwards. (Information received on 4/8/04)
Trust Fund Information
There have been many information requests for the trust fund for Graeme and Erik, Bill and Dana's sons. The family is overwhelmed by the outpouring of kind words by fellow amateurs. If you would like to contribute to the W4AN Memorial Fund for Bill and Dana's children, the trust fund account information is:
Account number 20005913
W4AN Memorial Account for Graeme and Erik Fisher
North Atlanta National Bank
10500 Old Alabama Road Connector
Alpharetta, GA 30022
Bank Phone (678-277-8400)
If you wish to make a contribution, any amount will help. Make checks payable to:
W4AN Memorial Account.
You can include the account number "20005913" or "Graeme and Erik Fisher" in the "for" line.
(There will be a detailed web page up sometime next week, but in short contributions will go into a fund requiring signatures of multiple trustees. This fund is being set up to assist in providing educational or other necessary assistance for Erik and Graeme.)
Bill's family is overwhelmed by our community and the number of people expressing feelings about Bill and concern for the family. All the kindness means a great deal to Bill's family and is helping them through this. There is a W4AN mail list at W4AN@QTH.COM List Help: http://w4an.qth.com

Reply to a comment by : KM3T on 2004-04-08

Please refer to W8JI's web site for trust fund information for Bill's two children: http://w8ji.com Thanks
Reply to a comment by : on N.A.

KM3T2004-04-08
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
Please refer to W8JI's web site for trust fund information for Bill's two children:

http://w8ji.com

Thanks
Reply to a comment by : on N.A.

K8CPA2004-04-08
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I just wanted to offer my condolences to the family and to all Bill's friends. as a frequent user of e-ham.net and contesting.com, I find this service to be an asset to the amateur radio world. you can bet, as soon as I'm back to work. I will make a donation. I just sorry I never knew the guy. :(

73 es tnx bill and rest in peace.

-Chuck K8CPA

...-.- ..

N2ZD2004-04-08
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK

I did not know Bill, but I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to his family. As a parent who had lost a child, I can understand the tough time his family is going through at this moment.

If at all possible, could those of you in touch with Bills family pass along these messages and possibly establish a fund for his family and children. I would be more than happy to assist and I am sure many of you would also. Tnx Richy N2ZD
Reply to a comment by : on N.A.

LNXAUTHOR2004-04-08
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
- a truly sad event... my heart and sympathy goes out to Bill's family and friends - i am very sorry for their loss...

- Bill Fisher and i exchanged emails just a few weeks ago regarding issues related to eham.net... his views were very enlightened - and he expressed and extended his generosity to me personally - for that i am grateful...

- i am very sorry that i did not get a chance to meet him in person...

73,
bill, kg4zqz
Reply to a comment by : WA2JJH on 2004-04-08

To Mike or Cliff, please let me know the RIGHT person to send in some funds. I hope the EHAM STAFF THE BEST. I had a near death experiece a few years ago. The Chaplin was called in for last rights. I know BILL is in a better place. During my in and out vitals, I heard a voice. The voice was not male or female. The source seemed to come not from my ears, but my CORPUS COLLUSOM. tHE EXACT CENTER OF THE BRAIN. The voice simply said......It is nit your time yet. Yes, science can explain it. The Mix of 5 antibiotics and MSO4, a doctor would say more 106F fever caused it. How ever I have my spritual concepts. I know god gave me a glimps. IMO BILL is in a good place. Hope the EHAM staff well. Please let my know by my email, where I can send a donation please. I know the EHAM staff has more important things to do! However only when the time is right, you guys might want to Emulate what was done for my fellow RF/microwave engineer. He died on 9/11. A group of HAMS set up a shrine for my friend N2SJ. N2SJ, I worked with when I was in broadcasting. He died at the transmitter. When WTX came down, that 9/11 day You OM's probably know this. The FCC will work it out. The call N2SJ cannot be had by anyone,except family. Perhaps a day of NO EHAMS on the air is another idea way of paying tribute to a ham radio visionary. Please feel free to use my nonpublished email address you have on your server, if you guys get to it. SORRY, I JUST REALLY FEEL BUMMED OUT. Sorry for my frivoluse writting, and idea's to pay tribute. Do not be shy, if there is a donation going around. I think BILLS concept behind EHAM was to put ham radio back on the map. He also saw that friendships can be built with EHAM. 73 and god bless MIKE WA2JJH
WA2JJH2004-04-08
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
To Mike or Cliff, please let me know the RIGHT person to send in some funds.

I hope the EHAM STAFF THE BEST. I had a near death experiece a few years ago. The Chaplin was called in for last rights.

I know BILL is in a better place. During my in and out vitals, I heard a voice. The voice was not male or female. The source seemed to come not from my ears, but my CORPUS COLLUSOM. tHE EXACT CENTER OF THE BRAIN.

The voice simply said......It is nit your time yet.
Yes, science can explain it. The Mix of 5 antibiotics and MSO4, a doctor would say more 106F fever caused it.

How ever I have my spritual concepts. I know god gave me a glimps.

IMO BILL is in a good place.

Hope the EHAM staff well.

Please let my know by my email, where I can send a donation please. I know the EHAM staff has more important things to do! However only when the time is right, you guys might want to Emulate what was done for my fellow RF/microwave engineer. He died on 9/11.

A group of HAMS set up a shrine for my friend N2SJ.
N2SJ, I worked with when I was in broadcasting. He died at the transmitter. When WTX came down, that 9/11
day

You OM's probably know this. The FCC will work it out. The call N2SJ cannot be had by anyone,except family.

Perhaps a day of NO EHAMS on the air is another idea way of paying tribute to a ham radio visionary.

Please feel free to use my nonpublished email address you have on your server, if you guys get to it.

SORRY, I JUST REALLY FEEL BUMMED OUT. Sorry for my frivoluse writting, and idea's to pay tribute.

Do not be shy, if there is a donation going around.

I think BILLS concept behind EHAM was to put ham radio back on the map. He also saw that friendships can be built with EHAM.

73 and god bless MIKE WA2JJH

N4RJ2004-04-08
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I have been in amateur radio for 48 years and have met many hams.

Bill Fisher was a shining star. He operated N4RJ for many years and was like one of the family. Dana might come over with Bill for a visit or he might bring his son, Graeme, to play in the woods or in the pool or ride bikes, etc. It was obvious that he wanted to be a great dad for his son. And, he was.

Bill not only operated, he modified, engineered, improved and perfected N4RJ to be highly competitive. We spent countless hours on the towers together, moving beams and re-phasing arrays. When Bill first came onto the contest scene with winning scores,the "established" contesters thought he was a fluke. Not so. He eventually brought the top Sweepstakes and CQWW plaques in Georgia. And everyone knew you couldn't win from here.
Bill had the belief and persistence to make it happen. What a talent. He dominated the sprint scene also. It was one of his favorites. He was an ethical contester and I never worried that he would embarass my station's reputation with poor operating. I was so proud of his efforts and attitude.

As their friend and dentist I knew the Fishers well and have the highest regard for their family. May God bless Dana, Graeme, and Erik now and in the days to come. They, and we, have lost a fine person.

We love you Bill, and we will miss you.

Val and Becky
SK
K1LWI2004-04-07
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
this is sad news my sympathy to his family
Reply to a comment by : N2MG on 2004-04-06

My friends, I am incredibly saddened and practically overwhelmed by this news. The sense that things will "never be the same" weighs heavily on my mind. Certainly in another few days, a touch of normalcy will return and we can begin to discuss the machinations of eHam, etc. In the meantime, we must hope nothing requires much of any attention. I will miss his leadership - Bill had a way of low-pass filtering the noise from both the users and the eHam management team and trying to maintain focus. Mostly I will miss him as a friend, fellow ham and contester, and straight shooting guy. Mike N2MG webmaster
OLDFART132004-04-07
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I know that eHam is not a very profitable site but only being run for the love of ham radio. The following link shows what kind of a person Bill was. Read the comments made by W4AN on this link and you will know what I mean.

http://www.eham.net/forums/SiteTalk/484
Reply to a comment by : OLDFART13 on 2004-04-07

I am very sorry and deeply saddened by the untimely death of Bill. I only have him in my log from Contest exchanges but those still mean a lot to me. His work here on eHam and at Contesting.com is a greatly appreciated endeavor and my favorite sites on the internet. I hope that the eham/contesting group will keep the sites going and make an online tribute to him.
Reply to a comment by : K5TR on 2004-04-07

It is a beautiful spring afternoon here in the Texas hill country. One of those days when I would normally be out working on my station but, when I look at those towers and antennas all I can think about is my friend Bill Fisher and I miss him. I will miss the IM messages asking about how to do something in TR-Log or for help with some broken email list on contesting.com or talk of radio or contests to come or contests past or who will win the Tour de France. I guess I have known Bill about half of our lives. As it is with this hobby most of it was via the radio and in the last 10+ years via email or telephone. When I was in college I used to go hang out in N5KO's office - since he worked on campus - and Bill would be calling up after contests to compare notes with Trey. I think the first time I got to meet Bill in person was when he came out to N5AU's station for a visit one weekend. The next time I remember seeing him was this time at Dayton. > On Tue, Apr 06, 2004 at 11:38:49PM -0500, Scott Neader KA9FOX wrote: > Another great memory was in May 2000, when Bill flew in for one night of > the Dayton party at Crowne Plaza. VERY late at night, after many beers, we > wound up on the 3rd floor of the hotel, by the elevators, just sitting > around and talking radio, contesting, etc. It was quite a crowd... N5KO, > K1TO, WC4E, K4OJ, N2AA, W0UA, K6NA, K5TR, plus K9NW and I. Fun, to say the > least. KL7RA and N0AX were there too and maybe a few others. It was worth every moment of lost sleep several times over - the party did not break up until Bill hitched a ride to the airport at dawn. Bill often said that this was one of his top ham radio moments of all time. Over the years one of the amazing things to me is that this radio hobby is such a social event - even in a contest it is really a huge social event as each of our friends check in to give us a contact. When he was building his station I recall him telling me that the operating was great fun but that he had found that he really enjoyed building the station, that the building might even be more fun. I told him I understood - for I too had found that as I was building the W5KFT station that I too really enjoyed building and designing a station. I was looking forward to building mine - and to that end Bill was a great person to trade trade station building tips. Over this last year I got to operate from his station. Even though I have never been to Georgia Bill opened his station to me via his remote. Several times he and I were on the remote at the same time and chatting via IM - it was like being in the same room and chatting and tuning the bands and working a few guys and talking about it all the while. I was so looking forward to installing the remote software at my station and letting Bill tune the bands from Texas. This years Tour de France will not be the same - it was great fun chatting with Bill about how riders were doing and how the race was going during last years great race. The last time I talked with Bill he called to talk about some of the plans at W8JI. Bill and Tom were planning some really cool antennas. Bill was planning on putting the remote at JI's and I was really looking forward to listening in to Bill using the antennas they had planned. And I was looking forward to hearing about what did and didn't work after the next contest. Bill, I miss you. 73 -- George Fremin III - K5TR geoiii@kkn.net http://www.kkn.net/~k5tr
OLDFART132004-04-07
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I am very sorry and deeply saddened by the untimely death of Bill. I only have him in my log from Contest exchanges but those still mean a lot to me. His work here on eHam and at Contesting.com is a greatly appreciated endeavor and my favorite sites on the internet. I hope that the eham/contesting group will keep the sites going and make an online tribute to him.
Reply to a comment by : K5TR on 2004-04-07

It is a beautiful spring afternoon here in the Texas hill country. One of those days when I would normally be out working on my station but, when I look at those towers and antennas all I can think about is my friend Bill Fisher and I miss him. I will miss the IM messages asking about how to do something in TR-Log or for help with some broken email list on contesting.com or talk of radio or contests to come or contests past or who will win the Tour de France. I guess I have known Bill about half of our lives. As it is with this hobby most of it was via the radio and in the last 10+ years via email or telephone. When I was in college I used to go hang out in N5KO's office - since he worked on campus - and Bill would be calling up after contests to compare notes with Trey. I think the first time I got to meet Bill in person was when he came out to N5AU's station for a visit one weekend. The next time I remember seeing him was this time at Dayton. > On Tue, Apr 06, 2004 at 11:38:49PM -0500, Scott Neader KA9FOX wrote: > Another great memory was in May 2000, when Bill flew in for one night of > the Dayton party at Crowne Plaza. VERY late at night, after many beers, we > wound up on the 3rd floor of the hotel, by the elevators, just sitting > around and talking radio, contesting, etc. It was quite a crowd... N5KO, > K1TO, WC4E, K4OJ, N2AA, W0UA, K6NA, K5TR, plus K9NW and I. Fun, to say the > least. KL7RA and N0AX were there too and maybe a few others. It was worth every moment of lost sleep several times over - the party did not break up until Bill hitched a ride to the airport at dawn. Bill often said that this was one of his top ham radio moments of all time. Over the years one of the amazing things to me is that this radio hobby is such a social event - even in a contest it is really a huge social event as each of our friends check in to give us a contact. When he was building his station I recall him telling me that the operating was great fun but that he had found that he really enjoyed building the station, that the building might even be more fun. I told him I understood - for I too had found that as I was building the W5KFT station that I too really enjoyed building and designing a station. I was looking forward to building mine - and to that end Bill was a great person to trade trade station building tips. Over this last year I got to operate from his station. Even though I have never been to Georgia Bill opened his station to me via his remote. Several times he and I were on the remote at the same time and chatting via IM - it was like being in the same room and chatting and tuning the bands and working a few guys and talking about it all the while. I was so looking forward to installing the remote software at my station and letting Bill tune the bands from Texas. This years Tour de France will not be the same - it was great fun chatting with Bill about how riders were doing and how the race was going during last years great race. The last time I talked with Bill he called to talk about some of the plans at W8JI. Bill and Tom were planning some really cool antennas. Bill was planning on putting the remote at JI's and I was really looking forward to listening in to Bill using the antennas they had planned. And I was looking forward to hearing about what did and didn't work after the next contest. Bill, I miss you. 73 -- George Fremin III - K5TR geoiii@kkn.net http://www.kkn.net/~k5tr
K5TR2004-04-07
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
It is a beautiful spring afternoon here in the Texas hill country.
One of those days when I would normally be out working on my station
but, when I look at those towers and antennas all I can think about is
my friend Bill Fisher and I miss him.

I will miss the IM messages asking about how to do something in TR-Log
or for help with some broken email list on contesting.com or talk of
radio or contests to come or contests past or who will win the Tour de
France.

I guess I have known Bill about half of our lives. As it is with this
hobby most of it was via the radio and in the last 10+ years via email
or telephone. When I was in college I used to go hang out in N5KO's
office - since he worked on campus - and Bill would be calling up
after contests to compare notes with Trey.

I think the first time I got to meet Bill in person was when he came
out to N5AU's station for a visit one weekend. The next time I
remember seeing him was this time at Dayton.

> On Tue, Apr 06, 2004 at 11:38:49PM -0500, Scott Neader KA9FOX wrote:
> Another great memory was in May 2000, when Bill flew in for one night of
> the Dayton party at Crowne Plaza. VERY late at night, after many beers, we
> wound up on the 3rd floor of the hotel, by the elevators, just sitting
> around and talking radio, contesting, etc. It was quite a crowd... N5KO,
> K1TO, WC4E, K4OJ, N2AA, W0UA, K6NA, K5TR, plus K9NW and I. Fun, to say the
> least.

KL7RA and N0AX were there too and maybe a few others. It was worth
every moment of lost sleep several times over - the party did not
break up until Bill hitched a ride to the airport at dawn. Bill often
said that this was one of his top ham radio moments of all time.

Over the years one of the amazing things to me is that this radio
hobby is such a social event - even in a contest it is really a huge
social event as each of our friends check in to give us a contact.

When he was building his station I recall him telling me that the
operating was great fun but that he had found that he really enjoyed
building the station, that the building might even be more fun. I
told him I understood - for I too had found that as I was building the
W5KFT station that I too really enjoyed building and designing a
station. I was looking forward to building mine - and to that end Bill
was a great person to trade trade station building tips.

Over this last year I got to operate from his station. Even though I
have never been to Georgia Bill opened his station to me via his
remote. Several times he and I were on the remote at the same time
and chatting via IM - it was like being in the same room and chatting
and tuning the bands and working a few guys and talking about it all
the while. I was so looking forward to installing the remote software
at my station and letting Bill tune the bands from Texas.

This years Tour de France will not be the same - it was great fun
chatting with Bill about how riders were doing and how the race was
going during last years great race.

The last time I talked with Bill he called to talk about some of the
plans at W8JI. Bill and Tom were planning some really cool antennas.
Bill was planning on putting the remote at JI's and I was really
looking forward to listening in to Bill using the antennas they had
planned. And I was looking forward to hearing about what did and
didn't work after the next contest.

Bill, I miss you.

73

--
George Fremin III - K5TR
geoiii@kkn.net
http://www.kkn.net/~k5tr
K3UD2004-04-07
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I just found out about this and like everyone else was saddened by the loss of Bill. I wish the best for his family in this time of sorrow for them. Anytime a member of a family dies, especially unexpectedly, it is a huge loss to them.

This was a loss to Amateur Radio. However, what Bill accomplished will live on as long as Amateur Radio exists.

Rest In Peace

George
K3UD
WC1M2004-04-07
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I was very shocked to receive this news. Bill was still a young man. It's a terrible tragedy for his young family and I pass along my deepest condolences to them.

This is also a great loss for the contesting community. Bill was one of the best ops in the world and it would be hard to think of anyone more dedicated to the sport and helping others to enjoy it. I first became aware of Bill on Tower Talk back in 1997, when I sought advice on building my first tower. Bill was just finishing up his super station on the mountain in Georgia. I didn't have any direct communication with him for a while, but very much admired his huge project and quest for perfection. I learned a great deal from Bill's descriptions of what he had done, and incorporated as many of his ideas into my own station as I could. Later, I was not surprised at all when he won USA in CQ WW CW 1999, spending a full 48 hours in the chair. I gather that in the past few years Bill was very busy with work and didn't have time to do the major contests. I really missed his presence there, and was always happy when he dropped by to give me a contact or I heard him handing out QSOs. Well, sort of happy -- I knew if Bill was doing a serious effort there would be one more person ahead of me in the standings! Also, I made sure to send my best CW to Bill -- he was a great op and I didn't want him to think I was a lid.

Like many of you, I never met Bill in person. I knew him only from QSOs, numerous e-mail exchanges and his website. I was looking back though my e-mail archives and was amused to see that my first interaction with Bill, in May 1998, was when he slapped my wrist rather hard for posting a "test" message to Tower Talk. Bill did not suffer fools lightly, and never pulled any punches. That was Bill, and I came to appreciate that about him more and more as time went on. Not one to take it lying down, I engaged him in a little back-and-forth in which I tried to justify my post as a last resort to debug an ISP problem. As usual, I was verbose to a fault and Bill was as terse as could be. Eventually the conversation ended in a stand-off with Bill saying, "I love you, too, man. I thought for a second there that we were going to get into a flame war... ;-)" After that, we had a number of pleasant exchanges on technical and business matters (we both were working on startups in Seattle.) I always learned something from Bill.

Bill had a very strong sense of right and wrong. One thing that really impressed me was when he quickly banned a certain person from one of the reflectors for making Nazi-like hate comments. I was also impressed with how he kept the contesting.com reflectors going even when it became apparent that they were hurting him financially. I donated whenever he asked. If you think about it, these reflectors have made one of the greatest contributions to contesting and amateur radio of any innovation since the beginning of the hobby. Whatever becomes of them, I hope that we will find a way to permanently remember Bill as the founder and visionary who made it possible.

Good-bye, Bill, and thanks for all you did for us.

73, Dick WC1M
AC0X2004-04-07
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
A very sad day for Amateur Radio.

My condolences to Bill's family and friends.
KC2MFW2004-04-07
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
A sad day for Amateur Radio.
K4JSR2004-04-07
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
Losing a man like Bill is like suffering an amputation. With Bill gone a piece of each one of us
is gone, also. Farewell, friend! You are missed.
My prayers and sympathies are with the Fisher Family
at this tragic time.
Cal Neff K4JSR
Reply to a comment by : N8VW on 2004-04-07

This is sad. Bill was a great guy. Thanks for the great times working on eham.net. I lost my father when I was 10. I'll never forget that year or the memories I have of him. I can hope has much for Bill's family. 73 Bill, I will miss you. ... _._ Pat N8VW
N8VW2004-04-07
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
This is sad. Bill was a great guy. Thanks for the great times working on eham.net.

I lost my father when I was 10. I'll never forget that year or the memories I have of him. I can hope has much for Bill's family.

73 Bill, I will miss you.

... _._

Pat N8VW
NI0C2004-04-07
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I was shocked to learn of Bill's untimely death, and my heart goes out to his family and friends, and especially to K4BAI and W8JI. Although I didn't really know Bill, in a sense we all know Bill through this wonderful web site of his.

I too was a bicycle racer, but gave it up after nearly becoming road kill on a training ride.

I hope that Bill is now hamming in a place where the bands are always open, and cycling in a place where tires never go flat.

73 de Chuck NI0C
Reply to a comment by : WA2JJH on 2004-04-07

BILL was a visionary with eham. Spoke to Bill on subscription business. He was a gentle and humble man to me. Bill, our hats off to you man! I enjoy EHAM. I think BILL saw the need for HAMS TO MEET. MAKE E-PENPALS and friends. I have made many! Perhaps we would have had e-ham BBQ's and could not hide behind a mic,keyboard,or J-38 BILL let the average JOE Q HAM write articals and do reviews of HAM gear. Something the 'pulp' mags. would not do. BILL saw a need ELMERS. E-ELMERING on EHAM. Bill refused extra money from me to pay for keeping eham going during last years northeast blackout. Yeah, some critics said.....It is all about the money. THAT SIMPLY IS NOT SO!!! BILL even weeks before had to make some difficult choices for E-HAMS jouney. The ANON issue, the idea that non subs should pay for reviews. GEE, I feel for BILL, he wanted ONLY the best for EHAM and HAM RADIO! BILL, TNX AGN --... ...-- MIKE from NYC --. --- -.. ... .--. . . --. -... .. .-.. .-..
WA2JJH2004-04-07
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
BILL was a visionary with eham. Spoke to Bill on subscription business. He was a gentle and humble man to me.

Bill, our hats off to you man! I enjoy EHAM.

I think BILL saw the need for HAMS TO MEET. MAKE E-PENPALS and friends. I have made many! Perhaps we would have had e-ham BBQ's and could not hide behind a mic,keyboard,or J-38

BILL let the average JOE Q HAM write articals and do reviews of HAM gear. Something the 'pulp' mags. would not do. BILL saw a need ELMERS. E-ELMERING on EHAM.

Bill refused extra money from me to pay for keeping eham going during last years northeast blackout.

Yeah, some critics said.....It is all about the money.
THAT SIMPLY IS NOT SO!!!

BILL even weeks before had to make some difficult choices for E-HAMS jouney. The ANON issue, the idea that non subs should pay for reviews.

GEE, I feel for BILL, he wanted ONLY the best for EHAM and HAM RADIO!

BILL, TNX AGN --... ...-- MIKE from NYC

--. --- -.. ... .--. . . --. -... .. .-.. .-..
WA2JJH2004-04-07
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
bILL was a visionary with eham. Spoke to Bill on subscription business. He was a gentle and humble man to me.

Bill, our hats off to you man!
KC0RUP2004-04-07
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I am new to HAM radio, only 4 weeks old. But the Name and call sign was familiar to me. I checked and I had never worked him, I have only work 98 QSO. Then I checked my e-mail, and there it was a letter from Bill.

I had written to him about how much I enjoyed eham and had contributed some articles. But because of my disability and limited income was not going to be able to become a subscriber.

We wrote back,

"I just added you as a subscriber Dave. You shouldn't have to pay given your situation. There are plenty of other folks out there that can cover you.

Best 73

Bill, W4AN"

I reread the email and now another person becomes a SK before I got the thank them. The last one I took is call sign to live on. I knew him when I was 13 years old. And now another who I just came to know of, has become a SK.

It is without words that I express to his family my feelings at this time. My God watch over you and keep you through this and in the quit days to come.

Dave from Joplin
W2AYY formerly KC0RUP


Reply to a comment by : KA9FOX on 2004-04-07

I heard the news Sunday night and was sure that it was some type of late April Fool's day joke. But after a few phone calls and e-mails, the realization that this was true started to set in. Bill was a personal friend, one of the best contesters ever, and one of the most Internet-savvy guys I knew. He will sure leave an empty spot in my life, and in many other lives. Bill and I have a lot in common... both about the same age, both have kids around the same age, both running ham radio web sites (I run QTH.com) and both have a love of this ham radio hobby. Um, I guess that is 'had' -- it is very hard to talk about him in past tense. Anyway, we would chat often, either by phone or by Instant Message. We'd bounce new Internet ideas off each other, test & troubleshoot web pages, talk about our kids (his are 10 & 1, mine are 7, 4 & 1), yak about ham radio, whatever. Last Thursday, he sent me a message asking what I knew about color laser printers. We chatted about everything. He was always there for me, and I sure tried to be there for him. My favorite memory of Bill was when he asked me to consider working for him, for his start-up business "Spoke.net". I flew into Seattle in August 2000, where the office was, and spent a long weekend there. Bill had been working so hard that he had never taken time to go do the "tourist-y" things in Seattle. So, he and I spent a weekend doing all that stuff. Space Needle, EMP (experience music project), Pike Place Fish Market, a great lunch with K7SS in the Chinatown District, and dinner at a Japanese restaurant with K7LXC & KG7GA (first time I ever had Sushi or Wasabe!). We took a drive into the mountains and I remember when we found some snow, he had to pull over and call home and tell his son, Graeme about it. He sure loved his kids. Another great memory was in May 2000, when Bill flew in for one night of the Dayton party at Crowne Plaza. VERY late at night, after many beers, we wound up on the 3rd floor of the hotel, by the elevators, just sitting around and talking radio, contesting, etc. It was quite a crowd... N5KO, K1TO, WC4E, K4OJ, N2AA, W0UA, K6NA, K5TR, plus K9NW and I. Fun, to say the least. What more can I add? It has already been said so well by so many... Bill was one hell of a contester, webmaster, father and friend. He made contesting and ham radio a better place. I will miss him, but I will NEVER forget him. 73, my friend. - Scott KA9FOX
Reply to a comment by : N2MG on 2004-04-06

My friends, I am incredibly saddened and practically overwhelmed by this news. The sense that things will "never be the same" weighs heavily on my mind. Certainly in another few days, a touch of normalcy will return and we can begin to discuss the machinations of eHam, etc. In the meantime, we must hope nothing requires much of any attention. I will miss his leadership - Bill had a way of low-pass filtering the noise from both the users and the eHam management team and trying to maintain focus. Mostly I will miss him as a friend, fellow ham and contester, and straight shooting guy. Mike N2MG webmaster
KA9FOX2004-04-07
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I heard the news Sunday night and was sure that it was some type of late April Fool's day joke. But after a few phone calls and e-mails, the realization that this was true started to set in.

Bill was a personal friend, one of the best contesters ever, and one of the most Internet-savvy guys I knew. He will sure leave an empty spot in my life, and in many other lives.

Bill and I have a lot in common... both about the same age, both have kids around the same age, both running ham radio web sites (I run QTH.com) and both have a love of this ham radio hobby. Um, I guess that is 'had' -- it is very hard to talk about him in past tense.

Anyway, we would chat often, either by phone or by Instant Message. We'd bounce new Internet ideas off each other, test & troubleshoot web pages, talk about our kids (his are 10 & 1, mine are 7, 4 & 1), yak about ham radio, whatever. Last Thursday, he sent me a message asking what I knew about color laser printers. We chatted about everything. He was always there for me, and I sure tried to be there for him.

My favorite memory of Bill was when he asked me to consider working for him, for his start-up business "Spoke.net". I flew into Seattle in August 2000, where the office was, and spent a long weekend there. Bill had been working so hard that he had never taken time to go do the "tourist-y" things in Seattle. So, he and I spent a weekend doing all that stuff. Space Needle, EMP (experience music project), Pike Place Fish Market, a great lunch with K7SS in the Chinatown District, and dinner at a Japanese restaurant with K7LXC & KG7GA (first time I ever had Sushi or Wasabe!). We took a drive into the mountains and I remember when we found some snow, he had to pull over and call home and tell his son, Graeme about it. He sure loved his kids.

Another great memory was in May 2000, when Bill flew in for one night of the Dayton party at Crowne Plaza. VERY late at night, after many beers, we wound up on the 3rd floor of the hotel, by the elevators, just sitting around and talking radio, contesting, etc. It was quite a crowd... N5KO, K1TO, WC4E, K4OJ, N2AA, W0UA, K6NA, K5TR, plus K9NW and I. Fun, to say the least.

What more can I add? It has already been said so well by so many... Bill was one hell of a contester, webmaster, father and friend. He made contesting and ham radio a better place. I will miss him, but I will NEVER forget him.

73, my friend.

- Scott KA9FOX





Reply to a comment by : N2MG on 2004-04-06

My friends, I am incredibly saddened and practically overwhelmed by this news. The sense that things will "never be the same" weighs heavily on my mind. Certainly in another few days, a touch of normalcy will return and we can begin to discuss the machinations of eHam, etc. In the meantime, we must hope nothing requires much of any attention. I will miss his leadership - Bill had a way of low-pass filtering the noise from both the users and the eHam management team and trying to maintain focus. Mostly I will miss him as a friend, fellow ham and contester, and straight shooting guy. Mike N2MG webmaster
W4AMP2004-04-07
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
Bill was not only a great ham, but he was a great person as well. He always had time to answer a technical question, and welcomed a chance to elmer dx'ers and contesters. To hear him run a pileup on air was a wonderful thing. Several times in contests I would just sit back and listen to him operate, trying to glean nuggets of his operating skill. He had a knack for making it sound effortless. But as we all know, it was far from it. I feel deep sympathy for his wife and family. I am also reminded of my own mortality because we were both the same age. He gave so much of himself to this hobby, it could be listed in pages.
My personal comment about W4AN was that he was genuine. He was real. He was caring. And that always impressed the hell out of me.

73 OM from a fellow Georgian.
God Bless
W4AMP
James O'Brien III
N4KHQ2004-04-07
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I first meet Bill when he was building his super contesting station 11 miles for my house. I visited several times and assisted with filed strength measurements of antennas, etc. and observed Bill's devotion to his son. Just as Bill was good at what ever he tried, he was good at parenting.
I never contested but I did listen to Bill and was impressed by his calm, polite and seemly unhurried approach.
Some amateurs seem to always be asking what can I get from amateur radio but Bill always asked what can I do for amateur radio.
I never met Dana but knew from Bill she was a beautiful, intelligence, caring mother. Our prays will be for the family.
W3DCG2004-04-07
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I guess I arrived too late.
I had hopes of someday having the honor of an eye ball to eye ball qso.
I'll never forget the couple of casual 40m non contest Q's we had. I value those more than the rarest DX.
Where ever you are, peace be with you.
My thoughts and prayers to your sons, wife, and family.

Peace.

K3TD2004-04-07
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
Although I was never a big gun, and haven't done much contesting lately, Bill was a good guy to me, too. Back in the early-mid 1990s when I was living in Atlanta I had the incredible good fortune to come in contact with Bill as I was getting started in contesting. He was very helpful to me as I set about to build a *very* modest station (single radio, 100 watts, single wire 25' off the ground) and try computer logging for the first time.

Bill gave me great help with the computer setup for NA and cw keying interface for my IC-765, but the best operating advice he ever gave me was simple and direct -- "stay in the chair!" Bill inspired me to set a personal goal for my second CQWW ... not an easy contest for a relatively new contest operator with a low power station in Georgia ... and I did. I achieved that goal, it was incredibly rewarding and I was hooked forever on contesting. Bill was there to help me several times after that, whether on the local 2 meter repeater or via e-mail, but I'll never forget that first conversation!

I've been blessed with several great mentors and coaches in ham radio in general and contesting in particular. Thank you K4EA, K4RF, W4WA, K5AND and W4AN.

RIP Bill,
KA4KOE2004-04-06
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
This is really unexpected for a man of 41 (my age as well), in the prime of his life to leave us like this.
I am sure Bill would want this site to continue, as it has touched many people.

PAN
Reply to a comment by : W8DO on 2004-04-06

My best wishes to Bill's family ... he was always available for advice and assistance. Bill was one of the first stations in my ZB2/W8DO logbook and also gave me support durning my 2000 Transatlantic sailing trip.
Reply to a comment by : KM3T on 2004-04-06

Bill Fisher and I were friends for almost 22 years, our friendship starting early on in our HF contesting careers. Long I will remember those nights on 40m chatting with Bill and the operators now known to the world as N5TJ and N2NC. I knew of nobody as generous with his time and with as unique a personal touch as Bill. Bill was as straight as straight-shooters come. You absolutely knew where he stood on most any issue he felt passionate about. This was one of the things we knew and loved about Bill. In many ways he was a breath of fresh air in this world of political correctness. Many will not comprehend the amount of time and resources he poured into this hobby of ours. I was only too glad to help him maintain the servers and network that many of these services run on. I always felt it was the least I could do to contribute. Bill and I spent much time on the phone, sometimes at very odd hours of the night, if anything went down or whatever. And in between the lull of network outages we chatted about contesting. Bill was so proud of the station he had built. I did have one opportunity to visit the mountain in CQ WPX Phone 1999, when Bill and I set the M/S SSB Record and had a real blast, even though both of us preferred CW. I'll also remember that he sent me an instant message several days after a brief visit to one of the KC1XX M/M operations. All it said was "You should be doing single op." When I asked him what he meant by that, he told me I had all the right stuff to win. The rest was just practice. That made quite an impression on me. Bill's enthusiasm and generosity extended far beyond contesting.com and eham.net, which is he is well known for, but with generating activity in great contests like the NCJ Sprint. Bill tirelessly put together Sprint teams by calling, emailing, and sending postcards out to people. And the world may never see a better and more accomplished CW contest operator. Bill's skills were uncanny, and he was always and will forever be an inspiration to me and many others. Bill was a good friend and one of the very best in everything he set out to do. His energy was boundless and his enthusiasm for this hobby, and especially contesting, was intense. I am going to miss him terribly. RIP Bill.
Reply to a comment by : AB7RG on 2004-04-06

Thanks for posting this, Mike. I may be our "editor", but I honestly did not know what to say as soon as I heard the news on Monday morning... All I know is that this news is deeply saddening and comes as a complete and total shock. We truly lost a great Ham, role model, and someone who put together the best site for Ham Radio on the Internet. The Amateur Radio Community has lost someone very special and unique, someone with great vision -- we can only imagine what his family has lost. May our thoughts and prayers be with them. Again, I'm at a total loss for words... 73 Clinton AB7RG P.S. To our users, please go a little easy on the eHam.net team members this week, as none of us are even close to being ourselves due to this great loss.
W8DO2004-04-06
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
My best wishes to Bill's family ... he was always available for advice and assistance. Bill was one of the first stations in my ZB2/W8DO logbook and also gave me support durning my 2000 Transatlantic sailing trip.
Reply to a comment by : KM3T on 2004-04-06

Bill Fisher and I were friends for almost 22 years, our friendship starting early on in our HF contesting careers. Long I will remember those nights on 40m chatting with Bill and the operators now known to the world as N5TJ and N2NC. I knew of nobody as generous with his time and with as unique a personal touch as Bill. Bill was as straight as straight-shooters come. You absolutely knew where he stood on most any issue he felt passionate about. This was one of the things we knew and loved about Bill. In many ways he was a breath of fresh air in this world of political correctness. Many will not comprehend the amount of time and resources he poured into this hobby of ours. I was only too glad to help him maintain the servers and network that many of these services run on. I always felt it was the least I could do to contribute. Bill and I spent much time on the phone, sometimes at very odd hours of the night, if anything went down or whatever. And in between the lull of network outages we chatted about contesting. Bill was so proud of the station he had built. I did have one opportunity to visit the mountain in CQ WPX Phone 1999, when Bill and I set the M/S SSB Record and had a real blast, even though both of us preferred CW. I'll also remember that he sent me an instant message several days after a brief visit to one of the KC1XX M/M operations. All it said was "You should be doing single op." When I asked him what he meant by that, he told me I had all the right stuff to win. The rest was just practice. That made quite an impression on me. Bill's enthusiasm and generosity extended far beyond contesting.com and eham.net, which is he is well known for, but with generating activity in great contests like the NCJ Sprint. Bill tirelessly put together Sprint teams by calling, emailing, and sending postcards out to people. And the world may never see a better and more accomplished CW contest operator. Bill's skills were uncanny, and he was always and will forever be an inspiration to me and many others. Bill was a good friend and one of the very best in everything he set out to do. His energy was boundless and his enthusiasm for this hobby, and especially contesting, was intense. I am going to miss him terribly. RIP Bill.
Reply to a comment by : AB7RG on 2004-04-06

Thanks for posting this, Mike. I may be our "editor", but I honestly did not know what to say as soon as I heard the news on Monday morning... All I know is that this news is deeply saddening and comes as a complete and total shock. We truly lost a great Ham, role model, and someone who put together the best site for Ham Radio on the Internet. The Amateur Radio Community has lost someone very special and unique, someone with great vision -- we can only imagine what his family has lost. May our thoughts and prayers be with them. Again, I'm at a total loss for words... 73 Clinton AB7RG P.S. To our users, please go a little easy on the eHam.net team members this week, as none of us are even close to being ourselves due to this great loss.
W8VOM2004-04-06
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I belonged to the eHam team a few years back and served as the Speak out manager. Bill was great to work for and I am shocked at his passing! Bill was a great innovator and he will be greatly missed by everyone.

God bless and keep you Bill...73 Chuck W8VOM
K8JX2004-04-06
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I am so very saddened about Bill's passing. While I never met Bill, I came to know about him by the way he operated on the air and how he ran other interests in his life.
My condolences to his family, friends.
You will be missed very much.
Richie Ranta K8JX
DUALGATEMOSFET2004-04-06
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
This is sad news. Mr. Fisher had done a lot for the hobby with eham and his other contributions to ham radio. I wish to offer my condolences.

73 from DUALGATEMOSFET
aka
"The Epitaxial One"
Reply to a comment by : AA6TT on 2004-04-06

The best thing about our hobby is not the radios, the QSLs, or the QSOs, it's the great friends you make. I am deeply saddened the untimely passing of my friend Bill Fisher, W4AN. I know of only two people in the world with my odd mix of passions--radio contesting, bicycle racing and, new for me in 2003, parenthood: Bill W4AN and Mark N5OT (if you saw a photo of a bicycle mounted high up on a Rohn tower in QST, that's Mark). Bill and I first met thru radio contesting and kept in touch even when I took a hiatus from ham radio '96 - '01. During this time, both Bill and I launched Dot Com companies and frequently compared notes. Bill & his Spoke Technologies colleague Garth once flew down from Seattle to visit the Enigma Digital office in Santa Monica. After a couple of hours talking e-biz shop at my office, we hit a 3rd Street bar and talked contesting for a few more hours. This conversation was the main catalyst for getting me back on the air--Bill's enthusiasm was contagious and it rekindled my ham radio flame. Bill and I also shared an interest in bicycle racing. Bill had started riding again recently and I frequently got IM messages from him that said "just got back from a 50 miler" or similar. Not too a long ago, he did one of these marathon rides thru very bad weather and ended up half-frozen. Just like Bill not to let something like freezing rain get in the way of something was determined to do. My personal Website (www.AA6TT.com, don't bother checking it, it's way out of date) and personal email account are hosted by Akorn. I always made contributions to eHam, but Bill wouldn't take my money for Website hosting. When I started rebuilding my contest station last year, I spent hours and hours and hours talking strategy and technique with Bill via IM, email and phone. Lots of W4AN ideas have been and will be incorporated into my station. I can never hope to be as good an operator as Bill (he's contest Hall of Fame bound, I'm sure), but some W4AN DNA will be in my station design. Bill was happy when I told him last year my wife was pregnant. He said this will be the greatest thing that ever happens to you. Bill was right. What a great friend Bill was. Always had time to chat or help with a problem despite a busy life. Always aimed for excellence in everything he did. I will be at the memorial service in Georgia Saturday morning. If anyone would like to have a contester's wake afterwards and swap W4AN anecdotes, I'm game. I also want to remember my friend Joe Clement W6MR (ex-KF6OG). Joe died in a car crash recently while driving to a drag race (he was a pro racer). Joe was an incredible rigger who installed all of my Malibu and Colorado towers and antennas. Bill NT1Y (ex-AA6TT)
K4JPD2004-04-06
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
Good bye Bill.

I remember the first time you came to the K4JPD radio ranch to operate CQWW CW. Boy, you were a crack CW op. I remember you not only unplugged the packet radio, but you also removed the two meter radio from the room, this was prior to internet spots. You adjusted the amp to "loaf" at exactly 1.5 KW limit. You were a stickler for doing it all by the rules.

You even climbed the 170' tower in the dark to unstick a rotor.

Years pass by and you operated from Val's place N4RJ.
You were always a gracious competitor and beat me everytime.

I Remember the bike race in Atlanta where you slide right by me and bounced over the hay bale into a car, head first? That was one of the few times I ever saw you with a lack of words.

We did lots of stuff together, and I have many memories of you, Bill, all of them good. I only regret I never told you how much you meant to me.

I will join many others around the world in prayer for you and your family,

RIP buddy,
Steve


AA6TT2004-04-06
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
The best thing about our hobby is not the radios, the QSLs, or the QSOs, it's the great friends you make. I am deeply saddened the untimely passing of my friend Bill Fisher, W4AN.

I know of only two people in the world with my odd mix of passions--radio contesting, bicycle racing and, new for me in 2003, parenthood: Bill W4AN and Mark N5OT (if you saw a photo of a bicycle mounted high up on a Rohn tower in QST, that's Mark).

Bill and I first met thru radio contesting and kept in touch even when I took a hiatus from ham radio '96 - '01. During this time, both Bill and I launched Dot Com companies and frequently compared notes. Bill & his Spoke Technologies colleague Garth once flew down from Seattle to visit the Enigma Digital office in Santa Monica. After a couple of hours talking e-biz shop at my office, we hit a 3rd Street bar and talked contesting for a few more hours. This conversation was the main catalyst for getting me back on the air--Bill's enthusiasm was contagious and it rekindled my ham radio flame.

Bill and I also shared an interest in bicycle racing. Bill had started riding again recently and I frequently got IM messages from him that said "just got back from a 50 miler" or similar. Not too a long ago, he did one of these marathon rides thru very bad weather and ended up half-frozen. Just like Bill not to let something like freezing rain get in the way of something was determined to do.

My personal Website (www.AA6TT.com, don't bother checking it, it's way out of date) and personal email account are hosted by Akorn. I always made contributions to eHam, but Bill wouldn't take my money for Website hosting.

When I started rebuilding my contest station last year, I spent hours and hours and hours talking strategy and technique with Bill via IM, email and phone. Lots of W4AN ideas have been and will be incorporated into my station. I can never hope to be as good an operator as Bill (he's contest Hall of Fame bound, I'm sure), but some W4AN DNA will be in my station design.

Bill was happy when I told him last year my wife was pregnant. He said this will be the greatest thing that ever happens to you. Bill was right.

What a great friend Bill was. Always had time to chat or help with a problem despite a busy life. Always aimed for excellence in everything he did.

I will be at the memorial service in Georgia Saturday morning. If anyone would like to have a contester's wake afterwards and swap W4AN anecdotes, I'm game.

I also want to remember my friend Joe Clement W6MR (ex-KF6OG). Joe died in a car crash recently while driving to a drag race (he was a pro racer). Joe was an incredible rigger who installed all of my Malibu and Colorado towers and antennas.

Bill NT1Y (ex-AA6TT)
KB9LOR2004-04-06
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
Great person, have talked via e-mail, you will be sorely missed Bill (W4AN) My condolences to the family.


Brian
kb9lor
K5TR2004-04-06
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
> Linda Ortman (Bill's mother) is receiving messages
> via Trimble Funeral Home but I don't know the
> e-mail address. Maybe someone else can search and post > it.

You can leave messages at the funeral home's web site.

http://www.trimblefuneralhomes.com/

Then click on obituaries.

Then go to the link for Bill's
Reply to a comment by : W8JI on 2004-04-06

That sounded a little harsher than I wanted it to. I regret that. Let me clarify what is happening: Illinois The memorial location in Moline is First Congregational Church at 2201 7th Ave. This Thursday(8th)at 5PM. At 6PM there will be a half-hour service. Radio friends from that area are welcome. This is the service that Bill's family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Victor C. Clark Youth Incentive Program, in care of the ARRL, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111. Bill's mother would like that because of how important radio was to Bill. She wants everyone to know how important radio was to Bill, and how much her family appreciates Hams. Linda Ortman (Bill's mother) is receiving messages via Trimble Funeral Home but I don't know the e-mail address. Maybe someone else can search and post it. Georgia The services are as announced. They are at: L W McDonald & Son Funeral Home & Crematory 150 Sawnee Dr Cumming, GA 30040 Phone: (770) 886-9899 with 10AM visitation and 11AM services. A trust fund is being set up for Bill's two children here in Atlanta, Graeme and Erik. I am not exactly sure of the ages but I think Graeme is about 10 and Erik just over 1. Dana also wants everyone to know how great amateurs have been, and how much all of you meant to Bill. There will be an announcement of how to contribute to this trust fund once it is in place. Bill's family is overwhelmed by our community and how many people care about Bill. All the kindness means a great deal to his family, and is really helping them through this.
Reply to a comment by : W8JI on 2004-04-06

Bill's family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Victor C. Clark Youth Incentive Program, in care of the ARRL, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111.>>>> This is NOT correct as far as I know and I have been in direct contact with the family daily. There will be a trust fund set up for Bill's children. PLEASE, let's coordinate things before posting them! 73 Tom
Reply to a comment by : K4PCF on 2004-04-06

Bill's family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Victor C. Clark Youth Incentive Program, in care of the ARRL, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111. Anyone needing directions to Saturday's memorial service may call McDonald and Son Funeral Home at (770) 886-9899.
W8JI2004-04-06
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
That sounded a little harsher than I wanted it to. I regret that. Let me clarify what is happening:

Illinois

The memorial location in Moline is First Congregational Church at 2201 7th Ave. This Thursday(8th)at 5PM. At 6PM there will be a half-hour service. Radio friends from that area are welcome.

This is the service that Bill's family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Victor C. Clark Youth Incentive Program, in care of the ARRL, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111.

Bill's mother would like that because of how important radio was to Bill. She wants everyone to know how important radio was to Bill, and how much her family appreciates Hams.

Linda Ortman (Bill's mother) is receiving messages via Trimble Funeral Home but I don't know the e-mail address. Maybe someone else can search and post it.

Georgia

The services are as announced. They are at:

L W McDonald & Son Funeral Home & Crematory
150 Sawnee Dr
Cumming, GA 30040
Phone: (770) 886-9899

with 10AM visitation and 11AM services. A trust fund is being set up for Bill's two children here in Atlanta, Graeme and Erik. I am not exactly sure of the ages but I think Graeme is about 10 and Erik just over 1.

Dana also wants everyone to know how great amateurs have been, and how much all of you meant to Bill. There will be an announcement of how to contribute to this trust fund once it is in place.

Bill's family is overwhelmed by our community and how many people care about Bill. All the kindness means a great deal to his family, and is really helping them through this.
Reply to a comment by : W8JI on 2004-04-06

Bill's family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Victor C. Clark Youth Incentive Program, in care of the ARRL, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111.>>>> This is NOT correct as far as I know and I have been in direct contact with the family daily. There will be a trust fund set up for Bill's children. PLEASE, let's coordinate things before posting them! 73 Tom
Reply to a comment by : K4PCF on 2004-04-06

Bill's family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Victor C. Clark Youth Incentive Program, in care of the ARRL, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111. Anyone needing directions to Saturday's memorial service may call McDonald and Son Funeral Home at (770) 886-9899.
NN6EE2004-04-06
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
To All!!!

I learned with sadness the passing of "young" Bill Fisher thru the "DailyDXer" newsletter this morning.

Any time a brother Ham Radio Operator passes on it's a blow to all of us and I wish to express my condolences to his Family including all of you guys out here who knew him so well!!!

Warmest Regards,

Jim Davis/nn6ee
Concord, Ca.
Reply to a comment by : W8JI on 2004-04-06

Bill's family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Victor C. Clark Youth Incentive Program, in care of the ARRL, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111.>>>> This is NOT correct as far as I know and I have been in direct contact with the family daily. There will be a trust fund set up for Bill's children. PLEASE, let's coordinate things before posting them! 73 Tom
Reply to a comment by : K4PCF on 2004-04-06

Bill's family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Victor C. Clark Youth Incentive Program, in care of the ARRL, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111. Anyone needing directions to Saturday's memorial service may call McDonald and Son Funeral Home at (770) 886-9899.
G7HEU2004-04-06
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I would like to pay my respects to Bill / W4AN.

I understand that Bill achieved very much during his short life. My 'window' upon that was this web-site. And what a site! He must have been glad that he created such a great resource for radio amateurs all over the world.

I would also like to offer my condolences to Bill's family.


Thanks Bill.

Steve / England.


Reply to a comment by : W8JI on 2004-04-06

Bill's family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Victor C. Clark Youth Incentive Program, in care of the ARRL, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111.>>>> This is NOT correct as far as I know and I have been in direct contact with the family daily. There will be a trust fund set up for Bill's children. PLEASE, let's coordinate things before posting them! 73 Tom
Reply to a comment by : K4PCF on 2004-04-06

Bill's family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Victor C. Clark Youth Incentive Program, in care of the ARRL, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111. Anyone needing directions to Saturday's memorial service may call McDonald and Son Funeral Home at (770) 886-9899.
W8JI2004-04-06
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
Bill's family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Victor C. Clark Youth Incentive Program, in care of the ARRL, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111.>>>>

This is NOT correct as far as I know and I have been in direct contact with the family daily.

There will be a trust fund set up for Bill's children.

PLEASE, let's coordinate things before posting them!

73 Tom
Reply to a comment by : K4PCF on 2004-04-06

Bill's family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Victor C. Clark Youth Incentive Program, in care of the ARRL, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111. Anyone needing directions to Saturday's memorial service may call McDonald and Son Funeral Home at (770) 886-9899.
N2PET2004-04-06
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I'd like to express my condolences to all of Bills friends and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers.
W9SZ2004-04-06
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
It's been a very bad year. First it was Jim K4OJ.

Then one of my personal Elmers, "Ragtime Cowboy Joe" Blahunka W9RCJ passed away on March 24. Joe was a contester of more ancient renown. I don't think he had been in a contest for many years but in the days of paper logs, he was a contester as well as log checker for some of the major contests. Joe was also at #1 DXCC for many years.

And now Bill W4AN.

Contesting won't be the same again.
AG4RQ2004-04-06
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I never met Bill. I never talked to him on the radio, had any e-mail exchanges or through the eHam forums, but I am shocked to learn of the news of his passing. Although I never knew him, I am deeply saddened by this. He was much too young to go SK. I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathy to Bill's family, friends and all who knew him.

Sincerely,
Mark M. Oring
AG4RQ
Reply to a comment by : W4TME on 2004-04-06

I only recently had the pleasure of talking to Bill related to several subjects concerning eham.com. I was impressed by his level headed demeanor and the often hard learned skill of listening to people, being open minded and not being judgmental. His passing is a great loss to the ham community as a whole and it saddens me greatly. I am truly thankful I did have the opportunity to meet him. I send my sincere condolences to his family, the eham.com team members and all the people whose life he touched and changed for the better. There loss is everyone’s loss. He has left behind a great legacy that anyone would be proud of accomplishing in a lifetime. It is a shame he was taken away from us so early. He will be greatly missed. Thanks for everything, Bill. -Tim W4TME
Reply to a comment by : N2OBY on 2004-04-06

I only knew Bill by reputation and his postings here on eham.net, yet I too feel that the world, and especially the amateur community, have lost someone special. He has been an example for all as to how someone can enjoy what they are passionate about even more by giving back to it, and he did that in a big way. My condolences to Bill's family and friends. His spirit is now in the ether, helping propagate those radio waves he loved so much... Ken N2OBY
ZS1DX2004-04-06
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
Friends,

This is very sad news indeed. As a newbie ham, I have learnt so much here on eHam.net, Contesting.com, and in all the Forums that Bill hosted. His accomplishments as a contest OP are also most inspiring. Unfortunately, W4AN is not in my log.

Rest in Peace Bill. Thanks for you vision, intellect, passion and work. VY 73 OM.

To Bill's family and friends: May you find comfort.

Chris
W4TME2004-04-06
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I only recently had the pleasure of talking to Bill related to several subjects concerning eham.com. I was impressed by his level headed demeanor and the often hard learned skill of listening to people, being open minded and not being judgmental. His passing is a great loss to the ham community as a whole and it saddens me greatly. I am truly thankful I did have the opportunity to meet him.

I send my sincere condolences to his family, the eham.com team members and all the people whose life he touched and changed for the better. There loss is everyone’s loss. He has left behind a great legacy that anyone would be proud of accomplishing in a lifetime. It is a shame he was taken away from us so early. He will be greatly missed. Thanks for everything, Bill.

-Tim W4TME
Reply to a comment by : N2OBY on 2004-04-06

I only knew Bill by reputation and his postings here on eham.net, yet I too feel that the world, and especially the amateur community, have lost someone special. He has been an example for all as to how someone can enjoy what they are passionate about even more by giving back to it, and he did that in a big way. My condolences to Bill's family and friends. His spirit is now in the ether, helping propagate those radio waves he loved so much... Ken N2OBY
N2OBY2004-04-06
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I only knew Bill by reputation and his postings here on eham.net, yet I too feel that the world, and especially the amateur community, have lost someone special. He has been an example for all as to how someone can enjoy what they are passionate about even more by giving back to it, and he did that in a big way.

My condolences to Bill's family and friends. His spirit is now in the ether, helping propagate those radio waves he loved so much...

Ken N2OBY
K4PCF2004-04-06
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
Bill's family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Victor C. Clark Youth Incentive Program, in care of the ARRL, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111.

Anyone needing directions to Saturday's memorial service may call McDonald and Son Funeral Home at (770) 886-9899.
KG4YJR2004-04-06
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
It's sad to see someone my age or younger leave life so early.

73
Dave Hettrick, KG4YJR
K4PCF2004-04-06
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
Just a note of correction. Bill's memorial service is at 11:00 AM Saturday at McDonald and Son Funeral Home. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 AM.
K4PCF2004-04-06
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
Just a note of correction. Bill's memorial service is at 11:00 AM Saturday at McDonald and Son Funeral Home. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 AM.
KA0MR2004-04-06
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I never met Bill. I never worked him in a contest. I have however somewho was the recipient of his influence as I am as saddend as others are at his premature departure.

It just goes to show you the ham radio really is a great positive influence on society. I have never regretted becoming interested in this hobby for that very reason.

Our condolences to his family and close friends.

Bob KAØMR
Reply to a comment by : KG6AMW on 2004-04-06

I'm so sorry to see Bill go and to see his family suffer. He has done much for this hobby and will be sorely missed. Unbelievable.
KG6AMW2004-04-06
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
I'm so sorry to see Bill go and to see his family suffer. He has done much for this hobby and will be sorely missed. Unbelievable.
KM3T2004-04-06
RE: Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
Bill Fisher and I were friends for almost 22 years, our friendship
starting early on in our HF contesting careers. Long I will remember
those nights on 40m chatting with Bill and the operators now known to
the world as N5TJ and N2NC.

I knew of nobody as generous with his time and with as unique a
personal touch as Bill. Bill was as straight as straight-shooters
come. You absolutely knew where he stood on most any issue he felt
passionate about. This was one of the things we knew and loved about
Bill. In many ways he was a breath of fresh air in this world of
political correctness.

Many will not comprehend the amount of time and resources he poured
into this hobby of ours. I was only too glad to help him maintain the
servers and network that many of these services run on. I always felt
it was the least I could do to contribute. Bill and I spent much time
on the phone, sometimes at very odd hours of the night, if anything
went down or whatever. And in between the lull of network outages we
chatted about contesting.

Bill was so proud of the station he had built. I did have one
opportunity to visit the mountain in CQ WPX Phone 1999, when Bill and
I set the M/S SSB Record and had a real blast, even though both of us
preferred CW. I'll also remember that he sent me an instant message
several days after a brief visit to one of the KC1XX M/M operations.
All it said was "You should be doing single op." When I asked him
what he meant by that, he told me I had all the right stuff to win.
The rest was just practice. That made quite an impression on me.

Bill's enthusiasm and generosity extended far beyond contesting.com
and eham.net, which is he is well known for, but with generating
activity in great contests like the NCJ Sprint. Bill tirelessly put
together Sprint teams by calling, emailing, and sending postcards out
to people.

And the world may never see a better and more accomplished CW contest
operator. Bill's skills were uncanny, and he was always and will
forever be an inspiration to me and many others.

Bill was a good friend and one of the very best in everything he set
out to do. His energy was boundless and his enthusiasm for this
hobby, and especially contesting, was intense. I am going to miss him
terribly.

RIP Bill.
Reply to a comment by : AB7RG on 2004-04-06

Thanks for posting this, Mike. I may be our "editor", but I honestly did not know what to say as soon as I heard the news on Monday morning... All I know is that this news is deeply saddening and comes as a complete and total shock. We truly lost a great Ham, role model, and someone who put together the best site for Ham Radio on the Internet. The Amateur Radio Community has lost someone very special and unique, someone with great vision -- we can only imagine what his family has lost. May our thoughts and prayers be with them. Again, I'm at a total loss for words... 73 Clinton AB7RG P.S. To our users, please go a little easy on the eHam.net team members this week, as none of us are even close to being ourselves due to this great loss.
AB7RG2004-04-06
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK

Thanks for posting this, Mike. I may be our "editor", but I honestly did not know what to say as soon as I heard the news on Monday morning... All I know is that this news is deeply saddening and comes as a complete and total shock.

We truly lost a great Ham, role model, and someone who put together the best site for Ham Radio on the Internet.

The Amateur Radio Community has lost someone
very special and unique, someone with great vision -- we can only imagine what his family has lost. May our thoughts and prayers be with them.

Again, I'm at a total loss for words...

73 Clinton AB7RG

P.S. To our users, please go a little easy on the eHam.net team members this week, as none of us are even close to being ourselves due to this great loss.



N2MG2004-04-06
Bill Fisher, W4AN, SK
My friends,

I am incredibly saddened and practically overwhelmed
by this news. The sense that things will "never be
the same" weighs heavily on my mind. Certainly in
another few days, a touch of normalcy will return and
we can begin to discuss the machinations of eHam, etc.
In the meantime, we must hope nothing requires much
of any attention.

I will miss his leadership - Bill had a way of
low-pass filtering the noise from both the users and
the eHam management team and trying to maintain focus.

Mostly I will miss him as a friend, fellow ham and
contester, and straight shooting guy.

Mike N2MG
webmaster