Kevin R. Kafton, K8XQ, of Weirton, West Virginia, became a silent key on February 15, 2012, just 5 days shy of his fiftieth birthday. He was born on February 20, 1962, in New Martinsville, West Virginia. He was a patient at a hospital in Cannonsburg, Pennsylvania, when he died. He had been gravely ill for several months.
Kevin became a Ham on January 9, 1979, with an initial call sign of KA8DYO. He was active in the Weirton-Steubenville area Amateur Radio community for many years. He later obtained the call of KC8YQ, and finally an Extra class call of K8XQ, which he held at the time of his death.
Kevin was retired and had worked in the medical and EMT fields. He lived most of his life in Follansbee, West Virginia, before moving to Weirton prior to his death. He left his wife, mother, three sons, two daughters, and five grandchildren behind.
Kevin enjoyed Amateur Radio immensely, and delighted in working the HF bands as well as the local repeaters. Although he could be opinionated and abrasive at times, he was a friend to many as well. His best friend was AB7KT, Ken, of Pahrump, Nevada, who stood by Kevin for years through his many trials and tribulations. Kevin will be remembered for his participation in many SWARC Field Day events in the Steubenville-Weirton area.
73 old friend – you will be missed by many.