North Ottawa Amateur Radio Club

This page is dedicated to those North Ottawa Amateur Radio Club operators who have passed on from their time here on earth. Seven-Three to you all.

Search for SK’s on the National Silent Key Archive

Craig Christilaw | K8CRC | 1951 – 2026

It has been a couple of weeks now since our fellow ham, Craig Christilaw, K8CRC, made his final QSO with his Creator.

Craig was one of those individuals whom you would never forget after sharing any amount of time with him. He had a zest for adventure and was always excited about what might be around the next corner. More importantly, he had a way of making those around him feel that same excitement. When Craig talked about something he loved, you couldn’t help but become a little excited about it yourself.

Getting his amateur radio license was almost a natural progression for Craig, since he took to flying like a duck takes to water. He loved all the technical aspects that both flying and ham radio brought to his life’s journey.

His love of flying began at Western Michigan University’s Aviation School, and in 2002 he added amateur radio to his list of interests by earning his license. Craig enjoyed both the newer rigs and the older equipment. In fact, it sometimes seemed that he could talk longer about one of his vintage Heathkit rigs than about the latest radio on the market. He would often say, “I love the smell of those finals.”

That was Craig. He didn’t just appreciate the technology—he appreciated the experience, the history, and the memories that came with it.

Craig also gave back to NOARC in a very special way. For years, he built the TE-NE-KE keys for the club, sharing not only his technical skills but also his time, craftsmanship, and friendship with fellow hams. Those keys are more than just pieces of equipment. They are a little piece of Craig that he left behind for others to enjoy.

His spirit of service extended well beyond amateur radio. Craig volunteered many hours at the Grand Haven Airport, where he worked to restore vintage aircraft and helped repaint an F-100. His adventures didn’t always take him into the air or onto the airwaves. He also enjoyed backpacking, rollerblading, and motorcycling. Perhaps those activities were his way of keeping life balanced while continuing to explore whatever adventure might be waiting around the next corner.

I think that may be what I will remember most about Craig—the adventure. He seemed to approach life with the attitude that there was always something else to learn, something else to build, somewhere else to go, or someone else to share the experience with.

Craig, thank you for the years you shared with us. Thank you for your friendship, your willingness to help, your craftsmanship, your stories, your laughter, and especially for the enthusiasm you brought into the lives of those around you.

NOARC reaped the benefits of your involvement, but your impact reached far beyond our club. The entire amateur radio community was better because you were a part of it.

And while we certainly miss having you here with us, I have to believe that Craig has simply moved on to his next adventure.

So, Craig, wherever that next adventure has taken you, we all hope there is a radio waiting for you, a vintage Heathkit sitting nearby, and maybe just a little of that familiar smell of hot finals.

And when we turn on our radios and hear a familiar voice—or perhaps just a little static on the band—we may think of you and wonder if you’re checking in from the other side.

Rest in peace, K8CRC. Your final QSO may have ended, but the memories and friendships you made will continue to live on.

Until we meet again on the other side of the QSO.

73 and with respect,

Thomas Nuyens

President, NOARC

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Robert “Bob” Ogle | WA8QIE | 1935 – 2026

Calling WA8QIE, Calling WA8QIE, Calling WA8QIE, WA8QIE not heard,  WA8QIE -SK

Robert “Bob” Ogle, WA8QIE, of Grand Haven, Michigan, was a long-time and valued member of the North Ottawa Amateur Radio Club. Bob was part of a generation of amateur radio operators who helped build and sustain the strong sense of community that NOARC continues to enjoy today.

Licensed for many years, Bob enjoyed spending time on the air making contacts worldwide and was known among fellow members for his technical skills and willingness to help others. He was also active as a weather spotter, assisting fellow ham radio operators and the community whenever severe weather threatened West Michigan.

Bob was a second-generation Master Mason and held a lifetime membership at Grand Haven Lodge No. 139. In 1970, he moved his family to Grand Haven and began working for Construction Aggregates Corporation as a Purchasing and Quality Manager. After retiring in 2000, Bob quickly became involved in business ventures with his daughter.

He was a familiar and respected member of the Grand Haven community. Those who knew him remember his kindness, storytelling, and steady presence on the air.

Bob will be remembered as one of NOARC’s dedicated operators and a friend to many. His call sign, WA8QIE, will remain a part of the club’s history and the airwaves he so enjoyed.

73 and with respect,

Thomas Nuyens

President, NOARC

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Eugene “Gene” Camfield | KB8ODC | 1927-2026

Calling KB8ODC, Calling KB8ODC, Calling KB8ODC, KB8ODC not heard – KB8ODC – SK

Eugene “Gene” Camfield, KB8ODC, was a familiar call to many in the local amateur radio community and a valued member of the North Ottawa Amateur Radio Club.

Gene enjoyed the simple, enduring aspects of the hobby—getting on the air, making contacts, and staying connected with fellow operators. Like many of us, he understood that amateur radio isn’t just about equipment and antennas, but about the friendships and conversations that come along with it.

He was part of that steady group of operators who helped keep the bands alive—checking into nets, monitoring frequencies, and always ready for a good QSO. Whether conditions were perfect or “a little noisy,” Gene was there, making the most of it. For years after the Tuesday night net he would join his fellow hamies at Russ’s for evening coffee and help close the place at 10 PM.  Gene was always upbeat and notorious for adding a slice of good humor no matter the situation. Gene’s health gradually prevented him from having eyeball to eyeball QSOs, which we all missed.

Gene was a proud veteran serving both in WWll and Korea war. Thanks Gene for serving   

Within NOARC, Gene will be remembered as someone who shared in the spirit of the club—welcoming, engaged, and simply enjoying the hobby for what it is.

Gene is now a Silent Key, but like all hams we’ve known, his presence remains in the conversations we continue and the signals that carry on.

 73 and with respect,

Thomas Nuyens

President, NOARC

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Randolph A Stano | W8RAS (KA8USK) | 1944 – 2025

W8CSO Group Calling W8RAS, W8CSO Group Calling W8RAS, W8RAS – Not heard

Hello Fellow Amateur Radio Operators,

After reflecting on Randy’s passing for the past week, I think I’ve finally sorted through my thoughts about this wonderful person.

Randy was one of those rare individuals whose jovial nature and warm smile could light up any conversation. But don’t be fooled—behind that friendly grin was a memory that could rival any Trivial Pursuit champion. If you ever wanted to dive deep into a topic with him, you’d better be prepared—he’d likely recall details you’d long forgotten! (Except Once, See “tower climbing” below)

I first met Randy at a ham radio class in Muskegon, MI. I believe I was pursuing my Advanced class license, and perhaps he was too. He was one of the very first people to introduce himself. He carried with him a sense that said, “I need to get to know these folks—they probably have some good life stories to share.” Maybe that’s what drew him into the “radio sport”: the technology, yes—but just as much, the people and the stories. For Randy, those two went hand-in-hand.

Randy spent many years as a dedicated member of NOARC (North Ottawa Amateur Radio Club). In 1985, he was elected President during a time when the club had grown to over 100 members. He carried that leadership role with great professionalism, energy, and respect. He was a lifetime member of Worldradio magazine. A magazine that totally contributed to the amateur radio hobby.

As time went on and Randy’s travels took him to many corners of the world, his connection to NOARC would ebb and flow throughout the years. But whenever he returned home, he made a point to reconnect with the club’s founders and longtime members.

In more recent years, my wife and I would often stop by Randy’s residence while out cycling. It was always a joy to sit down and hear about his latest travel adventures. He never failed to ask about current club members. About three years ago, he even came out to Field Day, rejoined the club, and proudly introduced his son-in-law, Todd—who is also a ham. I’m not sure who inspired whom, but I wouldn’t be surprised if it was Todd who nudged Randy back into reconnecting with his old radio friends.

On behalf of both the current and former members of NOARC, I’d like to say this: the spirit of the “radio sport” in our club continues to carry echoes of what Randy helped build in its early days. His legacy lives on in the friendships, laughter, and curiosity that bind us together today.

73,

Tom Nuyens – N8GNA

(Tower Climbing – Just a Hilarious Sidebar)

The only time I can ever recall Randy being wrong—though even that turned into a wonderful memory—was during a tower climb at his place.

Randy asked me to climb his tower to fix his two-meter beam, and I agreed… but only if he could find one more person to help. He recruited another ham—someone well-versed in electronics, antenna design, and theory. So up the tower we went. The only problem? My climbing partner loved his cigars and puffed away the entire time… right into my face as we climbed!

We got the task done and started our descent, only to be met with Randy at the bottom, shouting up that “It’s still not right!” Calmly, we went into the shack, pulled out the SWR meter, and proceeded to demonstrate that the beam was, in fact, working perfectly.The fix was correct—Randy, this one time, wasn’t. And all I could think was, “It better be right, because I am not climbing that tower again with a cloud of cigar smoke in my face!”

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Phyllis Simmons | KB8NLN | 1940 – 2023

“Phyllis Simmons, KB8NLN, will be remembered by all of us. She and her
former husband, Roger, were integral part of NOARC. She continued to be
one of the most active club members even after her husband passed years
ago. She always would be the first to volunteer for special events, and
for years as club secretary. I think most of us will not only remember
her in official duties of the club, but how she would always have
cookies, treats, and make coffee for all the club meetings. For years
she was the person for organizing the culinary support for field day.
Far from her club responsibilities, she had the unique sense that
this group of guys needed a lot of help in finessing their softer
side. She always seem so comfortable with all of us.

NOARC is a much better club today because the years she invested both in
officiating and social engagement. ” – Tom Nuyens – N8GNA

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Mark E. Stern, Ph.D. | K8MAZ | 1943-2023

Mark E. Stern, Ph.D., age 79 of Spring Lake, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2023, at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital. He was born on July 23, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Julius and Rose (Zolkower) Stern.

Mark obtained his bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University and continued his education, receiving his Doctorate degree from Michigan State University. Mark taught science at Troy High School and Oakland University for many years. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Spring Lake, and a member of the North Ottawa Amateur Radio Club, where he was a ham, K8MAZ.

Mark was a very talented musician, playing many instruments including piano and guitar. On occasion, he played for the Detroit Symphony, and served as a background musician during the early years of Motown.

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