Tribute to Robert L. Chimner W8LTF
Dad was born March 28, 1908 and passed away March
26, 2006 just 2 days short of his 98th birthday.
He was active in ham radio all of his life. He often spoke of the
very early days in the 1920's and how fascinated he was. He talks
about how patient his Mother and Father were with his wires
everywhere and "junk" all over. Since there was no
television in those days, many people would come to his house to
"listen" and to talk. It was a big thrill at that time.
During various wars, people would come to our house to talk to
their loved ones who were stationed in foreign lands. It was
heartwarming to witness those tearful and joyful reunions over
the radio.
I can remember that Dad was a mentor to many young men who were
interested in Ham Radio. Some of them were Gary Vrooman (W8ARH,)
Dale Poblenz and Dick St.Amant. He loved to teach others about
radio.
Dad was the youngest of 14 children. He was born and raised in
Cheboygan Michigan and was the last surviving person of his
immediate family. He moved to Wyandotte Michigan in 1940 shortly
after I was born. There he worked as an electrical contractor
until he retired in 1973. Dad was a member of the City of
Wyandotte Electrical Examiners Board until he died.
He was married to Naomi Babbitt in 1936. My Mom was very
supportive of his radio activity and liked to listen to his
contacts. She passed away in 1991. Dad lived alone, with his
kitty cat until he died. Tommy the cat, was always by my Dad and
usually in his lap.
In 1995, Dad decided to learn computers and at
the age of 87. He got his first computer and from then on he
spent hours playing games, surfing the net and keeping up with
his e-mail. In 2001 he decided that he wanted a faster computer
and bought a new one!
I can say that he was active and alert until he died. He
certainly will be missed by many!!
Tribute by his daughter, Nora Chimner