Very sad news, indeed. Bob was an avid Topband DXer, a fine engineer, a
first class operator, and a true gentleman in every sense of the word.
His remote site in Arizona was extensive and remarkable. Building and
maintaining it was his passion. He was always friendly and engaging. .
.I will miss our frequent exchanges on Lowband Chat. He will be missed
by Topband DXers around the world. Rest in peace old friend.
73. . . Dave, W0FLS
On 6/27/2026 5:47 PM, TreeN6TR via Topband wrote:
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..."
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