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.

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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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