Ken (then W5TKI/4) and Rose Kopp, and Al Fizz (K4QEO) were my mentors. I say mentors, because "Elmers" doesn't cover it. My mother worked at the St. Petersburg public library with Rose. I was 13, had an avid interest in broadcasting radio. I saw a listing in Sears catalog for a "shortwave" radio with a photo of the Eifel Tower and Big Ben. That was for me! International adventure. Mom facilitated a visit to Ken and Rose's. Wow was that exciting. He was all CW and had great mil surplus gear, command sets, BC-348, etc. Did I want a license, he asked? You bet. He and Al patiently taught me CW and theory. I took the novice and was thrilled to receive WN4APB. Ken, Rose and Al were all of 23 years old. I can't imagine today's typical 23 year-old having the maturity and patience of putting up with an impudent 13 year-old to teach him both science and life lessons.
Without them, my life would have certainly been much different. Amateur radio opened many doors. Immediately out of college, I was hired as a very young federal agent most likely because of my radio expertise. Electronics was becoming an important tool for federal law enforcement. I rose in the ranks to supervisory criminal investigator and then chief of technical operations due to that background. I went on to found and run a successful broadcasting group. I probably would not have even gone to law school, without the Kopp's influence. I maintained contact with Ken and Rose through the years. They remained the dearest of people to me. Ken and I exchanged numerous emails, and had several long telephone conversations about life and radio. Ken directed me to my K-3. Rose made a custom cover for it. I am a life-long CW amateur and that remains a passion of my life. I look forward to my K-4 and will commemorate and think of Ken when I make that first K-4 contact. I knew Ken was not well and did not want this day to come. Thanks Ken and Rose Kopp. 161 to you both. Taylor WA4APB ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to [email protected]
