...The radios we'll always remember

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Gallery: Gary Martin KI8BQ (SK)

AM net stalwart and organizer of the annual AM bbq/swapfest/get-together at his beautiful property near Sturgis, MI,  Gary Martin KI8BQ sadly became a silent key on March 26, 2022.   In addition to his great hospitality, Gary will always be remembered as the guy who got the biggest signal ever from an AF-68!

From friends…

So very sad to hear this news!  Gary was a good friend and fellow AM enthusiast.   I was able to attend all but one of his AM gatherings over the years and always had a great time.  I only missed the AM GT in 2020 due to concerns over the Covid 19 issue.     Gary originally called me and we talked about him hosting the AM gathering when it first began and it certainly was a success and was enjoyed by many of us over all those years.  Condolences to his family and may he rest in peace, de Jack, W9GT 


73 my friend,  SK KI8BQ  de W8tow 
 

I'm so sorry to hear this Rex.  Tim WB8UHZ

Very sorry to hear this. We lost another great guy.   Lou W9LRS

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Obituary

Gary V. Martin age 78 of Sturgis, Michigan passed away Saturday afternoon, March 26, 2022 at his home. 
He was born April 13, 1943 in Saginaw, Michigan son of the late Victor and Beatrice (Dickman) Martin. 
Gary resided in Sturgis since 1990 coming from Elkhart, Indiana. His early life was spent in Saginaw where he was a graduate of Saginaw High School. He furthered his education at Michigan Technological University in Houghton where he earned a Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering. 
In December of 1989 he married Vicky Kearny in Elkhart, Indiana. 
Most of Gary’s working life was in electrical engineering and he had been employed by Oak Products in Sturgis. 
Gary enjoyed working in his yard and was a talented woodworker. He was very involved in Ham Radio and for 19 years hosted an annual radio operator get together at his home. 
He is survived by his wife and several cousins. 
He was preceded in death by his parents and aunts and uncles. 
In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place and no services are planned. 
The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements. 
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mr. Martin’s memory consider Three Rivers Health Hospice, 711 S. Health Parkway, Three Rivers, MI 49093. 
We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and leave condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.

 

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Gary KI8BQ (SK)

Posted: 03/87/2022 (W9RAN)
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Gary KI8BQ in his swapfest uniform

Posted: 03/87/2022 (W9RAN)
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Group Photo from 2007 at garys

Posted: 03/87/2022 (W9RAN)
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KI8BQ will be missed

Posted: 03/87/2022 (W9RAN)
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Old Friends, now reunited

Mike N8ECR (SK) and Gary KI8BQ (SK)

Posted: 03/87/2022 (W9RAN)
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Gary (later KI8BQ) Novice Shack, 1959

Posted: 03/87/2022 (W9RAN)
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KI8BQ Ham Shack in 2007 with the Mightiest Elmac of all

Posted: 03/87/2022 (W9RAN)
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KI8BQ in his hamshack, 2008

Thanks to Ken K9FWT for this photo

Posted: 04/103/2022 (W9RAN)
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Gary and his wife Vicky

Posted: 03/89/2023 (W9RAN)
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KI8BQ at his beautiful QTH near Sturgis MI

Posted: 03/89/2023 (W9RAN)