In memory of our friend,
Calvin "Cal" G. White - WF5W (ex - K0IQY, AA4EP)
June 18, 1937 - February 19, 2016
Cal was first licensed as K0IQY in 1957 while living in Dumont, Iowa. He then served in the US Navy and spent part of his time stationed in the Bahamas where he held VP7NP. His career included serving as an Iowa State Highway Patrol Officer, an agent in the US Border Patrol and then an agent with the US Customs Service.
While in the Customs Service he was assigned to the US Embassy in London where he held the call G5EGB. He then was sent to the US Embassy in Korea where he held HL9EP. While in Korea he was heavily involved in the Amateur Radio support of the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympic Games. He also was involved with programs that helped Korean citizens obtain their Amateur licenses.
In 1989 while visiting Father Moran, 9N1MM, in Nepal, he developed severe heart problems. He was transported back to the US where he underwent bypass surgery. He retired from the Customs Service soon after recovering. Cal went on to run a Private Detective Agency for almost 20 years.
Cal continued to be active in Amateur Radio and set up an impressive station with 3 towers in Tomball where he operated as WF5W. His main passion was CW and DXing. Cal had 335 current and 341 total countries at the ARRL DXCC desk. His favorite operating event was the annual Straight Key Night where he could be found using his J38 or one of several other straight keys. He was a member of The FISTS Club.
In 2003 Cal and Paul (W5PF) went on a two-man DXpedition to Yap as V63WC and V63PF. This stirred an enthusiastic interest in DXpeditioning in Cal. Over the next several years he was instrumental in planning and organizing several DXpeditions. These included VP8 Falklands in 2004, 9H3 Malta in 2006, The V31 Straight Key Expedition in 2006, VP2V British Virgins in 2007 and 5J0E San Andres in 2008. It was the 5J0E trip where his 160M Chicken wire special was first used. Cal also went on the C91TX operation in 2009 and made trips to YN2N's rental shack for contests.
Cal was also part owner of the 27 foot sailboat the Sea Pumpkin. He installed a maritime mobile station on the boat and operated it in Field Day one year.
Cal was a member of the Northwest Amateur Radio Society (NARS) for many years and participated in many of their activities including mentoring the Science Club at the Redd School. In 2004 he joined the Texas DX Society (TDXS) and was member 161. He served as Vice President of TDXS from 2008 to 2010. He was also an active participant in the TDXS Field Day efforts for several years.
Cal's enthusiastic support of Amateur Radio and his positive "get it done" attitude will be sorely missed.
Cal is survived by his wife of 57 years Pat, three daughters: Constance, Kathy and Kristin plus numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.