I went to a Novice Class at the Madison County Airport, home of The Madison County Amateur Radio Club of London, Ohio back in 1988. The instructor was Wanda, later KE8RV & also SK, and Ernie was helping her. His enthusiam and encouragement helped me make it through to get my first ticket. He was a good friend from then on.
Ernie had started in radio on CB back in the early days of its beginning. As you can see from his call, which he never changed, he has been an Amateur for many years.
He loved to work on radios and worked on many CBs, scanners, and Amateur gear over the years. He had a wealth of knowledge and was always willing to share it with those in need of technical advice.
Ernie also had led an interesting life and would share his stories. He was a very interesting man to talk with.
Ernie actively promoted Amateur Radio always. He operated 2, 440, and H.F.. He was a long-time member of MARC, a control operator for their 147.285 repeater, had done work on the repeater, was active in ARES, and a Skywarn spotter active with The Central Ohio Severe Weather Net since its beginning in 1970.
Although his health had been poor the last several years, he still was active on the radio and still promoted the Amateur Radio he loved so dearly. He will be missed by many. If there is a radio room on the other side, he will truly be in Heaven. CQ, my old friend, and the best of 73s.
Ernie will surely be missed. Together we kept the packet frequency busy at night. Each evening I could always expect the station light be blinking, always from Ernie. We chatted each nigh that way. Now when bedtime rolls around the station light is out. No more funny stories or best wishes from my good friend. If there is packet in Heaven, I hope you got my last message I sent in Convers mode. 73 my old friend.
/ex