Bob will be very missed on TB by many DXers around the world. He was a truly dedicated 160m Dxer who loved 160m and the thrill of the hunt.
Bob was a regular in our private 160m DX Slack chat room where we spent many nights chasing DX and talking about propagation. I spoke to him just 2 weeks ago and I knew he was not well, but I am surprised he went so quickly. The remote station that Bob built in Arizona was a remarkable off-grid set-up that was world class. He spent countless hours perfecting it and keeping it running for 2 decades. I know he was proud of it, and he should have been! RIP my old friend, I will truly miss you during the long winter 160m DX nights. I promise to keep the band alive in your honor! Steve ve6wz. ________________________________ From: Topband <[email protected]> on behalf of TreeN6TR via Topband <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, June 27, 2026 3:47 PM To: 160 <[email protected]> Subject: Topband: W7RH - Silent Key It is with profound sadness that I report that W7RH has become a silent key per a Facebook post from his wife (see below). Bob was one of the last few CW operators from the West Coast that was still very active on the band. That reduces the number of active West Coast stations (outside of contests) to perhaps one or two. Tree N6TR It is with great sadness to report that my beloved husband, best friend, father and grandfather. Bob Kile has passed away as of 6/21/2026. I will truly miss his tender heart that he kept so private. Thank you for giving me a loving, secure life to share with you. Some of his final pleasures was traveling to Europe where he admired old world culture and explored his passion for wonderful, authentic Italian cuisine. If there was one passion that defined Bob's life, it was amateur radio. Licensed in 1966 during his teenage years under the callsign WA7GCI, then later as KG7D and in 2005 W7RH. Amateur radio was never just a hobby—it was his life's work outside of work. It was where he built, experimented, solved problems, connected with people around the world, and found tremendous joy. Over the decades, Bob created a lowband remote station in Northern Arizona, grid DM35 that reflected his dedication to the hobby. 160 cw Contesting & DXing was his passion, with numerous wins in contesting generally running single op low power and also contributing in multi op contesting as well with other ham friends. Antennas became a familiar part of the landscape, and weekends were often spent at the ranch where he had his remote station set up, where another project, another improvement, or another contact was always waiting. Please visit his webpage that he created W7RH.net or QRZ.com for more info on Bob & his remote site. "See you on Top Band..." _________________ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _________________ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
