KA9MOT's brother, Mike is SK

[X-Rated]

Condolences to Steve and his family for the loss of his beloved brother. He was a great man and a true brother to you. I am so sorry for your loss. Best wishes to you and your family at this time.

[NQ6U]

Sorry to hear this, Steve. RIP, Mike.

[n0iu]

I am sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

[KG4CGC]

I'm sorry man.

[K7SGJ]

I was saddened to hear about this, Steve. Last week I saw your post that indicated he was very ill. I know it will be difficult without having Mike in your lives; and I, like all of your friends here, will be thinking of you and your family at this time of loss.

[KG4NEL]

:(

[PA5COR]

Condolences, sorry to hear this....

[KC2KFC]

My condolences to you for your loss.

[w2amr]

My condolences

[NY4Q]

My condolences; may he rest in peace.

[w0aew]

Steve, I'm very sorry to hear this. Maybe someday you can tell us more about Mike.

[KC2UGV]

Condolences to you and yours Steve.

[WØTKX]

I'm sorry Steve. it was sudden, and you had a chance to talk to him before he couldn't speak anymore.

And yes. Stories about Mike when you can Steve. That would be cool.

[suddenseer]

Steve, I am sorry for your loss. My baby brother passed away 4. Years ago. I am tearing up right now, so I might have an idea of what you are going through right now. My thoughts are with you.

[K0RGR]

My condolences ...

[N8YX]

Very sorry for your loss, Steve. You're in our thoughts.

[koØm]

Sorry to hear about the loss in the family, my sincerest condolences.

.

[KA9MOT]

WOW! I'm surprised by how fast this got out. I just finished posting it on QRZ and came here to post it.

I'm amazed at the response. You guys are awesome, and thank you.

Mike and I were very close. I did not meet him until I was 12 and he was 19. I didn't know he existed before that. My childhood sucked and Mike was the first shining light in my life. I think he made me his "personal project". It helped that I was new to radio and electronics and was hungry for knowledge and he'd been involved with both since he was a kid.

It was Mike who taught me about different foods, rock music and life's other adventures.

I'll tell some of the stories some time. There are some good ones. Like ice fishing and camping on New Years Eve 1977. Yes, we froze our asses off during the worst winter in my lifetime. Both of us refusing to give it up and go home. :)

[WØTKX]

Speaking for everyone here, you're welcome. Bummed I don't have PTO parts.

[N7YA]

Im sorry to hear about this, Steve. :(

[KA9MOT]

We buried Mike... well, he's in a box....and it's a small box. I'm not really sure what they've done with him. We really didn't bury him, unless his wife placed him in a closet or something. The memorial service was Wednesday. It went well.

I decided to take the weekend off and my son and I explored 60 plus miles of the Mississippi River, much of it in 4X4 along the river bank or as close as we could get, yesterday. Today, I kicked back and got my head right. I'm still trying very hard to stop telling bad jokes. That is something I do when I am sad.

Next weekend is going to be TONS of fun. I get to clean out Mike's Shack, take down his antennas, and start putting his radio stuff up for sale. Not something I am going to enjoy, but I promised him I would and his family will need the money. I'll be buying some of it and insisted I be allowed to keep Mike's old homebrew tuner he made back when he was a Novice and held the call KA9MOT (1982 or so).

[N7YA]

Steve, keep telling bad jokes...you always have an audience for bad jokes here. Keep us posted. You may be able to offload some of the gear here. Just know our thoughts are with you, this sucks.

[K7SGJ]

Hang in there Steve. In time, it usually gets a little easier to cope.

Just remember your worst jokes are still an improvement over some of our best jokes. (Puns not included)

[KA9MOT]

Thanks guys. I don't know what I will have for sale just yet. I am seriously thinking of buying his Yaesu FT-950. He has a lifetime collection.
His wife has already sold his boat, truck and the house for pennies on the dollar to "friends" and neighbors. I want to say something so badly, but what can ya' say. It is clear that when somebody passes, the vultures swoop in.

To be fair, the house needed to be sold. Mike was one of those guys who burned wood for heat, and there is no way she could keep firewood and there is no way she can afford to put a furnace in. She wanted to move closer to work anyway.

The kicker was she sold his 1999 18 foot Ranger Bass boat with a 1999 100 HP motor and 2008 Trailer for $1200. It's money out of her pocket. My dad almost cried. He offered her $7000 for it after she sold it. Makes me wonder if Mike told her how much he really paid for it.