Silent Keys
The term SK (silent Key)is another bit of ham-speak that is not obvious to new or prospective radio amateurs and you should know what it means.
While widely used in ham circles, SK has two differing meanings. Specific to CW work, SK is a Morse code procedural signal (prosign) for indicating a final transmission in a message or QSO.
More generally, SK means silent key, a term of respect for a deceased ham. It’s a classy way to denote the loss of a member from the radio amateur community. Hams will sometimes give tribute to SKs in their biographies as influencers or Elmers.
Silent Key is a dignified term going back to wired telegraphy, adopted in the early days of ham radio when only Morse code was used to honor a CW operator whose key will not be heard again. This tradition has carried over into modern times when voice, video and data have been added to the amateur radio repertoire. Considering the prosign SK as “end of transmission,” the double meaning of SK is very fitting.
On this page, we’re honoring and remembering those members of the Appalachia Amateur Radio Club, The ARES members and members who were also affiliated with the WCARS of Murphy, NC club who are now Silent Keys.
Please provide silent key information to the webmaster for inclusion on this page.
Craig Sharp – KD6B
Murphy NC
He was a member of Cherokee County ARES/AUXCOMM and he lived in Murphy. His last official AUXCOMM activation was for the Andrews Christmas Parade in 2019.
Lois W Dinsmore – KK4JQU
Brasstown, NC
SK March 29, 2016
Lois became an Amateur Radio Operator in 2012, obtaining her Extra license in 2014. She was a member of the Clay and Cherokee County ARES group. She was also the ARES group Photographer/Public Information officer.
Larry Wayne Shumway – N5DHY
Marble, North Carolina
Jul 8, 1949 – Apr 14, 2018 (Age 68)
Larry worked as an IT Tech for the Volusia County Fl. school system before retiring to NC. He was an avid Amateur Radio operator since his teen years and most recently belonged to the Western Carolina Amateur Radio Society and was a member of ARES.
Clifton A Lucht-K4KCJ
Murphy, North Carolina
1944-2023
The following is from Cliffs QRZ page.
First licensed as KN1KCJ in 1959. Call became K1KCJ with upgrades to General, Advanced then on to Extra. In those days we took our exams at the FCC in Boston. Upon moving to Florida in 1982, my call sign became NU4Q. When vanity calls started, I found that K4KCJ was available. I requested the call and was granted the call in 1982. Since then, we moved to Murphy, NC in far Western NC. I am an avid 40-meter CW operator. No yagi for 40 as I had in Florida but make do with wire antennas. Have fun with ham radio.
Cliff was also volunteer member of the Bellview and Martins Creek fire departments for 13 years.
Philip L Rifice – N4KBA
Sunrise, Florida
May 23, 1946 – March 2, 2017
Philip was very instrumental in helping Charlie Earle K4CTE install the 147.315 repeater, and the repeater antenna tower is dedicated to him. Phil was a part-time summer resident and lived in Sunrise, FL during the Winter. Philip served in US Armed Forces Army. He was also a police officer for Miami Dade and Computer Tech for the Public Schools.
Charlie Earle, – K4CTE
Brasstown, NC
January 27, 1958 – October 2, 2024
Charlie Earle age 66, of Brasstown, North Carolina passed away Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at his home with his loving wife by his side. He was a native of Danvers, Massachusetts and graduated from Danvers High School. He began working for Bostick Adhesives as a chemical technician. He lived briefly in New Hampshire while caring for his mother and father. He then moved to Apollo Beach, Florida where he worked for Altera Health Care as the maintenance director. Charlie moved to Brasstown, North Carolina and worked for Cherokee County Schools in the maintenance department. Charlie enjoyed motorcycles, amateur radio and fishing.