Tribute to Stephen Merchant

Tribute to Stephen F. Merchant N4TQO, W6EMS, AK6W, EY3M, HC8/K6AW, K6AW
May 15, 1941 - January 21, 2024

Steve passed away at Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara after a brief illness. Steve was a longtime member of the Northern California Contest Club and served for many years on the board of the NCDXF (Northern California DX Foundation). He was very active with the N6RO team in Oakley, California and was a member of the HC8N team in the Galapagos Islands. He also operated from VK9LZ, HV4NAC, VP8ORK and others. He managed the NAQP SSB contest and CQ WPX contest. He was an active DXer and contester.

Steve's passing yesterday is very sad. Barb and I will greatly miss Steve's presence as a partner in our lives.
When we were traveling more, Steve used to mind our house and cats (and operate). We remember he didn't think our kitchen knives were sharp enough, so he always brought his own set.
When he worked for Nokia, as a contest ham it was no big deal for him to be up at 4:00 AM for a conference call from California to working hours in Finland and India.
We've attached some treasured photos we hope bring back fond memories for all of us.
Dave and Barb, W6NL & K6BL

Steve and I were close friends. Contests together off and on for 40 years. Molly and I will miss him. Good that his passing was peaceful.
Steve AC6T.

Our friend, and my contest mentor, Steve Merchant (K6AW; and contest call of AK6W "100 Aker Wood Conteste Club") became a silent key at 4:00 AM at SB Cottage Hospital this morning. He and I watched a tennis match together Wednesday night at the hospital and he was in no pain at that time, so I presume, and pray, that he went peacefully.
RIP OM, 73,
Ken KA6KEN

I knew Steve from the Dayton Hamvention. I have worked Steve from most of his DXpeditions. I remember him as a very friendly guy that was greatly involved in amateur radio. It was sad to hear of his passing. RIP my friend.
K8CX

When I was secretary of the NCDXF Steve was a board member. I got to know him quite well and considered him to be a great friend.
Tom NW6P

RIP Steve. He was here twice for ARRL 10 M/S and in HC8 twice with me also.
Dan K1TO

Dayton 2002

Contest Banquet

K6AW, KB9THU, OH2BH

Contest Banquet

K6AW, KB9THU, OH2BH, K1AR

Dayton 2003

Contest Banquet

K6AW

Dayton 2013

K6AW, K5ZD

K5ZD, A71BX, K6AW, K6NA, K5GN

K1TO Photo

This is CQ WW CW 2004 M/2 at HC8N

K6AW on 20 Meters

VP8ORK 2011 DXpedition to South Orkney Island
VE3EJ Photos

K6AW, WB9Z, K9ZO

K6AW

Photos by W6NL, K6BL

K6AW at EY8MM

K6AW at HC8N

K6AW, N5KO at HC8N

K6AW at HC8N

K6AW at HC8N in 1998

LU6ETB, K6AW, LU4FPZ at HC8N in 2006

OH2MM, OH2PM, SM0WKA, K6AW in 2006

N6TV Photos

K6AW

K1DG, K6AW

Back: W0GJ, K6MM, WW6D
Front: K6AW, N1DG

OH2BH, K6AW

2009 ARRL DX Phone Contest at K3LR
Steve was an 80 Meter op with K3LR

K6AW, K3LR

K3LR, K6AW

K6AW, K1AR, WM2H, W2RQ

N3SD, N2NT, WM2H (front), K3UA, N3GJ, N2NC, W2RQ, K6AW, K1AR, DK9TN, VE3EJ, K3LR

Tribute courtesy of K8CX, W6NL, K6BL, AC6T, KA6KEN, N5KO, WA7BNM, NW6P, K1TO
Dayton photos courtesy of K8CX
2nd 2013 Dayton photo courtesy of A71AM
VP8ORK photos courtesy of VE3EJ
Other photos courtesy of W6NL, K6BL, K3LR, K1TO