Jere Melo was licensed in 1957 as K6ZMC and Ted, W6FKI (SK) was his "Elmer" after college and military service his ticket had lapsed and he was assigned the call sign KA6VFL.
Jere was murdered by an Opium Poppy farmer - in other words, Jere was the victim of the "Drug War". They are still hunting the cowardly killer.
There is a memorial website for Jere - http://www.jeremelo.com/ - Jere had been inactive on ham radio for over 10-years ... concentrating on community service.
The photo is of Jere (left) and Jim N1CC at the 2009 Mount Shasta High School Class of 1959 50th Reunion.
He will be missed by so many. Several of his close relatives are Hams, and Paul Melo, KF6QBG is currently the President of the Mount Shasta Amateur Radio Club (W6BML).