[CQ-Contest] TOM HAMMOND, N0SS, SILENT KEY

[Mike Fatchett W0MU]

It is with a heavy heart that I report the passing of Tom Hammond, N0SS, 
at 0125 UTC Friday, August 5th. Tom died peacefully with his family 
around him at his residence in Jefferson City, Missouri, following many 
battles with cancer over the last 15 years. No one I have ever known 
handled illness with the kind of optimism and faith as he did. There are 
many cancer survivors alive today because Tom taught them how to fight 
the disease psychologically and emotionally. Tom was an early member of 
the Elecraft family with K2 serial number 008 and continued his loyalty 
as one of the original beta-testers on the K3 (also serial number 008). 
Wayne once told him, "Just when we think we have something perfect, 
Hammond comes along and finds a glitch for us." Early renditions of the 
K3 firmware incorporated many of Tom's suggestions. Funeral services are 
tentatively scheduled for Saturday, August 13th (a week from tomorrow). 
Suggestions for memorial contributions will be posted after the family 
completes arrangements tomorrow afternoon. Thank you all for your 
prayers and support these last several months. 73, Kent Trimble, K9ZTV 
Jefferson City, MO 
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