Paul and I became novices in our early teens. We had no 'elmers' yet, so it was by rote that we learned and took the code and theory exams.
Later, and during the 1 year allowed then, we had taken and passed the General, having dropped the 'n' from our calls which were now W2HQN and K2LCM.
Living on Long Island, we got involved with phone nets, 75 mtr traffic, and working DX as well on cw.
Paul eventually became a world class DX'er having over 300 countries, in several modes of operation, as well as being DX himself on several well known DXpeditions. Cook Islands, and Pratas Island BQ9P were a couple.
RTTY was his favorite mode, and his accomplishments were many.
When cancer took Paul's life, he had outlived and 'toughed out' over 10 years since his prognosis was given.
We remained buddies over 55 years and were lifelong hams as well.