The DX-60 held a time of silence to observe the passing of Pete, W9RMB on the 10/25/2020 net. Pete was first licensed in 1973, and was active in both vintage sideband and AM modes from his shack in Glenview, IL. From his obituary:
Peter Leigh Economos, age 74, of Glenview, IL, passed away on June 13, 2020. He was born in Chicago in 1945 to James and Eleanore Economos. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Susan, sons Christopher and James, daughter-in-law Julia and granddaughters, Jillian and Lindsey.
Peter received his bachelor’s degree from DePaul University and ran a licensed Amoco full-service automotive service station for over ten years. His love of cars subsequently inspired him to purchase Valley Motors in Skokie, IL. He thrived as a business owner and cherished all of the friendships he made in the process.
Peter was an avid car collector, and he would restore classic cars and show them at car shows. He owned over 100 cars during his lifetime. Peter also enjoyed electronics, people, and communicating. His amateur (ham) radio hobby combined all of these. Peter enjoyed talking to other ham radio enthusiasts across town, around the world, or even in space. He was a stellar communicator long before the internet and cell phone.
Peter was known for his authenticity, kindness, great storytelling, and contagious smile. His family was his top priority, and he cherished each day that he spent amongst his family and his dear friends that became family.
Pete submitted the following to this website as a summary of his ham career:
"First licensed in 1973 as a novice for 2 yrs. Next license in 1997 as a Novice again. Moved up to Tech Plus then General then Advanced and finally Extra. My first interest in radio was building Knight Kits and Heathkits and of course the Allied Radio Catalog! I did manage to get a National SW-54 reciever in about 1956 and heard many hams and foreign broadcasts to spur my interest even more. I just have always had the interest through all of these years and finally have gotten active in my 50s ! I'm glad I was able to qualify with at least a 13 wpm code test!! I managed to get WAS and DXCC awards with a WAC for good luck! I hope to add more countries to my list, possibly a WAZ and also improve my Morse Code profeciency. All my equipment is 25 to 50 years old ,but gee, it gets the job done and is fine with me. (I love the stuff) On Saturday mornings I can usually be heard checking in to the Midwest Classic Radio Net at 7:30 AM (Central) on 3.885 MC (AM only) with my Johnson Ranger and either a Hammarlund HQ-180 or a Hallicrafters SX-100 also the DX-60 net on Sundays on 3,880 mc. at 7;00 AM Mi. time. Mike N8ECR is the Net control and a pretty good one at that! There is also a newer net, The Vintage SSB Net. on Sat. after the Midwest net on or about 3.840mc. (Better not check in with a newer transistor only machine or you will be subject to much rath from all the other net members!) Pat WB9GKZ is usually the net control op. (See you there) They are all great guys, great hams and the nets are, as well.I guess my story is typical but I still am glad to have the chance to be a Radio Amateur. I enjoy the hobby and all the great people I am able to know.73 Pete"