David Shoaf KG6IRW, SK

I am very sad to announce that one of our club members is SK.

David Shoaf (KG6IRW) passed last Thursday, Nov. 29^th after a short, but valiant, battle with cancer.

Our thoughts, prayers, and condolences go out to David’s family, his wife Sharon, and David’s son, and grandchildren.

David appeared at a CAKE meeting in October, and Ron (W6WO) commented on how everyone was delighted and happy to see him attend the meeting. David had a way of making a conversation light up, especially when he talked of the hobby he enjoyed, and the equipment he supported. Always an ambassador of fun, David’s contribution to any conversation was appreciated, and interesting.

I met David around 2011 when he attended the K6BJ Club meetings, and he soon became a semi-regular at CAKE meetings. Elecraft soon occupied much of his time, where he became their chief support and event manager.

Through a series of conversations, David and I came to find out that we had crossed paths many times in life. From our shared background working at Hewlett Packard (David for over 20 years), at events when he was representing Elecraft (Dayton, Friedrichshafen, and Visalia), and at his other passion of playing at local musical events, like Bocci’s Cellar and other locations around town. One of my favorite times to say Hi to David was as a runner in the Wharf-to-Wharf 10K race. My annual visit to him was punctuated by a quick wave, and a shouted ‘73’ as I ran past, while he played for the participants, and waved back.

David spent his time helping others. Setting up an HF station, giving inspiring talks to the club on a variety topics like Amplifiers and upcoming digital technologies. In one talk on JT-65 (I still have the link to his slides), not only did he tell us about it, he actually went to peoples shacks (including mine) to get them up and running! All you had to do was ask.

Storytelling by David was still one of the greatest joys in being around him. His smooth voice incorporated a warm southeastern style, with a little mischief. It was his signature on (and off) the air. When you got him talking, you also found out about his audiophile and engineering background, and his joy just talking to folks. David always had an ease and grace in making you feel like you were his friend, even if you only just had met him. There we many stories told at events, but none where so special to him when he proudly talked about his son as a pilot in the Air Force, and David working him on HF while in flight.

I’ll miss a David as a Ham, a musician, but most of all a friend.

It is unknown at this time if a celebration of life will be held, but please let everyone know if there will be one.
I am sure there will be some wonderful stories, good laughs, and warm friendships continued and created. Something David would enjoy.

73, de Don K6GHA
SCCARC President

K6GHA@arrl.net