A tribute to Ralph Friedman, KD2AF  SK

'73 Ralph!

On February 5, 1999 I received word of a fine gentleman that has joined the family that we keep so close to our hearts, the Silent Keys. Ralph, KD2AF has passed away.

I am sure that there are others that may recall other facets of his life, but here is what I remember most as I think about him at this time.

No matter how you met him, he touched you in ways that many others don't. He was a person that always felt a special link to the old amateur 11 meter band. Unlike so many, he did not show disdain for the newer operators of these frequencies. Instead, he did the honorable thing. Helping by example, he trained many CB operators in the proper etiquette that any amateur operator would be proud of. By showing them respect, he gained the respect of many. Through the magic of the spoken word he drew a picture of the wider world of ham radio without looking down at anyone. For many, he was the first contact and bridge between our two communities.

He would joke and fool around with the rest of them, sharing the love that he had for our RF medium as well as sprinkling in sound technical advice. Some of the fellows and he would discuss the merits of using an old sock over a microphone element to disguise your voice. As I recall it was said that argyle was the style of choice. It seemed to work the best.

When he thought you were ready to graduate from the 'Ralph School of Radio' or 'Radio-107' as some came to know it, he would be so kind as to let you know that there was a 'Big Red Man' at town hall on Wednesday evenings who could help you learn the secrets of amateur radio. Not that he was trying to make hams of these fellows you understand! Not Ralph! No, it was so that you would understand more of how that little magical box worked so you could apply it to your antenna design or make your station more safe. If you decided to go for the license, well, he would not stand in your way. It was your choice. It was a choice that many made.

Can you imagine the surprised look on the faces of so many? One at a time, they would go to that Volunteer Exam session for their first test. Up in the front of the room came a familiar voice... How was it possible…? Could that really be '107', Ralph…? All the others at the table called him KD2AF. It was uncanny how much he sounded like him! Once you passed that first element the truth was known, there at the bottom of your CSCE was his signature, Ralph Friedman.

I  for one am proud to be a graduate of  'Radio-107'. I had always had an interest in radio and he was the spark that put me over the edge to finally get my ticket. The consequences of obtaining that piece of wallpaper were and are many.

· If not for him I would not be as active in the community and be able to give something back to the public through service.

· I would never of had the privilege to make other friends in so many other areas of the country, not to mention the world.

· This in turn led to an interest in digital/packet radio that helped me to obtain an understanding of computers and networking in a friendly open environment. Because of his faith in me, I actually considered it possible to learn these skills and attempt a new career.

· Had I not followed this path, I would be a different person today, never considering expanding my horizons and improve my life through a 'hobby'.

Ralph, KD2AF, may now be a Silent Key but as long as there are those of us who remember him and help to continue his work and unique style of soft-peddle Elmering, he will not be forgotten.

TNX Ralph and '73, de N2UHR.