While by chance traveling through my hometown of Park Ridge, IL on the way from one school to another, I had the great fortune to stop by the home of my VERY FIRST elmer- John Wendt, W9HNA.
When I was a young kid growing up just down the block from my Friend Eddie's house, his Dad, would patiently answer my questions, inspire me to try building small electronic projects, show me all his COOL (at least to a 10-year old kid) Knight and Hallicrafters tube rigs and even gave me a chance to talk on his 2m radio! John was the man that first 'lit the flame' in me that would 28 years later result in me getting MY license and doing what I do now with Amateur Radio. I 'found' him again a few years ago and have kept in touch periodically through the NORA-Glenview repeater and a luncheon he invited me to. this though was the first time that I had the chance to sit down one-on-one with him and his wife Lorraine and really catchup on what's been going on. But there were things that for some reason never occured to me to tell him- so I am saying them now, before I forget again and it might be too late.
They say that one of the measures of a man is the legacy he leaves. Usually these things are said after one passes on, but I wanted you to see it while you are still here... You introduced me a wonderful new world that years later has resulted in new friends and new experiences. I only hope I can pass your legacy on and bring more people into this great hobby and service of ours.
Thanks John.
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