I am deeply sadened to hear of this. Al had worked me from every dxcc that I have been to.
He was always cheerful and never seemed to complain.
I never evr heard him say a bad word about anyone.
RIP
 
Bill Horner
PO Box 1343
Maroochydore, 4558
Australia
 

fax  61 7 54793883
cellular phone 61 438877748
 
I use  Norton  Anti Virus  2003
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: wa8ytm
Sent: Sunday, June 29, 2003 8:21 AM
Subject: [DX-NEWS] W8AH obit

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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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