From
href="http://www.arrl.org/news/well-
known-contester-antenna-farmer-paul-
bittner-w0aih-sk">ARRL
The Reverend Paul Bittner, W0AIH, of
Fall Creek, Wisconsin, died doing what
he loved on October 31, when a tower-
climbing mishap claimed his life at his
well-known antenna farm. The ARRL Life
Member and Maxim Society member was 84.
A member of the CQ Contesting Hall of
Fame and retired Lutheran pastor,
Bittner was a well-known and respected
figure within the Amateur Radio
community and a prolific contester and
DXer. His call sign was nearly always
present in most major operating events,
and even in a few lesser-known
contests, and news of his tragic death
and condolences and accolades quickly
spread among those who knew him best.
“No one was more generous, loving, and
encouraging to others than the Reverend
Paul Bittner,” said Mike Lonneke,
W4AAW, in a post to the Potomac Valley
Radio Club (PVRC). “He called me last
week to chat about what he and Mary
were up to, like getting material
together for their always long and
hilarious Christmas newsletter. He also
knocked me out with the latest of his
funny experiences in his ‘Rent-a-Rev’
sideline.” Bittner officiated at the
June 2 wedding of two well-known
midwestern contesters.
Bittner was licensed in 1949 and held
the same call sign ever since. He and
his wife, Mary, WB0PXM, moved in 2000
to “The Farm,” a 120-acre spread in
west-central Wisconsin. The first of
the more than 50 towers began sprouting
there before their arrival in 1982. As
a ham, he enjoyed multi-multi
contesting and DXing. His favorite band
was 160 meters, and his favorite
contest was the CQ World Wide DX CW
Contest. Bittner’s son-in-law — Paul
Husby, W0UC — operated VHF contests
from The Farm and was a multi-multi
regular as well.
I first worked Rev, Paul in the 1058 ARRL SS when he was W0AIH/VE3. He was still active when he became a SK.
If he is not in the CQ Hall of Fame I hope someone in his area will nominate him. He is most worthy.
Rest in Peace Rev, Paul
Dave K4JRB