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Albert H. Hix
Albert H. Hix, 85, died June 25, 2003, at home after a short illness.
He was retired from Union Carbide Technical Center in 1985.
Al Hix, W8AH, was known around the world by thousands of amateur
radio operators and his pursuits in the DX or Distance aspect of the ham
radio hobby are unsurpassed. Al's amateur radio station, operating from
the hills of Charleston, made contact with 390 countries around the
world placing him at the top of the American Radio Relay League's Honor
Roll for such amateur radio pursuits. Al was the number one operator in
the entire world for making contact with the most countries on the
40-meter band, where he had confirmed contacts with 362 countries. Al
was first licensed in high school, graduating from Charleston High
school mid-year in 1936. He was a 1942 graduate of West Virginia
University with an Electrical Engineering degree. While at WVU he was
also in ROTC military officer's training program and upon graduation, he
joined the military, commissioned as second lieutenant in the US Army's
Signal Corps and served in World War II in the European Theatre in
England, Belgium and France.
After the war, Al returned to Charleston and was hired by Union
Carbide in 1947 and worked in their control and communication department
for 28 years. During his career, he provided his expertise in electrical
engineering and control systems to Union Carbide facilities around the
world. Al got his Extra Class license in 1960 as W6BT and in 1977, took
the W8AH call which belonged to a friend of his who had become a Silent
Key. He was voted West Virginia Outstanding Amateur Radio Operator of
the Year in 1986, served as president of the West Virginia State Radio
Council for two years, and is past president of the West Virginia
Quarter Century Wireless Association. Al was vice-president of the
Instrument Society of America (ISA) and received the prestigious ISA
Fellow Award.
Surviving are his wife, Constance G. Hix of Charleston; brother,
James Hix of Parkersburg.
Service will be 11 a.m. Monday, June 30, at Wilson Funeral Home,
Charleston, with Chaplain (Col.) Randall A. Kochersperger officiating.
Entombment will be in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans with military
graveside rites.
A gathering will be Sunday, June 29, at the funeral home from 5 to 7
p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to American Radio
Relay League, Albert H. Hix Memorial Scholarship Fund, 225 Main St.,
Mewington, CT 06111-1494.
Wilson Funeral Home, Charleston is in charge of arrangements.
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