Tribute to Reno M. Tonsi

Tribute to Reno M. Tonsi W4OUE / WT8C
February 10, 1937 - February 27, 2020

Connie KB8ZZW, Reno WT8C at the 2009 Dayton Hamvention

It is with great sadness that I advise Reno Tonsi, WT8C, passed away Wednesday evening, February 26, at home. Reno was an active member of North Coast Contesters and Lake County Amateur Radio Association for many years. His presence and contributions to both groups will be greatly missed. Please keep Reno and Connie in your thoughts and prayers. Arrangements will be forthcoming. Jim AA8OY

Thanks to all who have posted about the loss of NCC Charter Member Reno Tonsi, WT8C. As most of you know, in addition to being a member of NCC since its formation in 1989, he served for many years as NCC's Treasurer for two decades. In addition to that, and closer to home for me, he was a stalwart member of the K8AZ Crew, having participated here, in a significant way, in nearly every multi-op contest effort since 1989. I promised myself I would not count or catalog those until I retire, but I am estimating now that the number of contests that Reno operated here exceeds 100 by a substantial margin. None else, other than myself, has operated here that often. Moreover, the development of K8AZ as a contest station has been the work of many -- and would have been impossible without the countless hours donated by a very devoted crew of dedicated hams who answered the call time after time after time, to come help build towers, antennas, newer antennas, make repairs, etc. etc. None of this would have happened if I had had to do it alone. But I have to say that the one person who ALWAYS answered the call for a K8AZ work party was Reno. Without him, this station would be half of what it is today. Even last summer, when we were once again building antennas, Reno was there, walker and all, helping out, popping rivets, reading the design print and barking orders, just like 20 years ago. He is irreplacable. There is much more that can be said, but I will save that for face-to-face chats. Reno, just know that we miss you now, and we will miss you forever. And we're glad you're now in a pain-free place where the P5's are workable without too much effort, and the DX always gets the partial as "who's the 8-Charlie?" RIP old friend. We'll keep that mult chair warm for you. 73, Tom K8AZ

We, the "K8AZ Crew", dedicate this contest 2020 ARRL DX Phone effort to long-time crew member, Reno Tonsi, WT8C, who became a silent key 2/27/2020 at the age of 83. Reno joined the K8AZ Crew in 1989, and participated in more than 110 K8AZ multi-operator contest efforts since then. Further, over the years, he answered the call for the many K8AZ antenna work parties many hundreds of times, showing up to help out countless weekends over the years. (One summer, he even got the nickname "Reno the Riviter" from when we built multiple HF yagis). Plus, since about 1990, every contest Sunday, he cooked individual omelets for each K8AZ operator, making Sunday morning of every contest the biggest turnout day of each contest weekend. I estimate Reno cooked over 700 contest omelets over the years. A great tradition we're now doing our best to honor in his memory. 73, Reno. RIP, OM. Know that you are missed, and all of us are grateful that we were granted the great privilege of a contest weekend immediately following your passing to remember and honor you. The Glenlivet toast to you after the contest was something special. With a big mix of sadness (and joy) and respect. Tom K8AZ

This is totally UNBELIEVABLE!!! I just talked with him on the phone YESTERDAY when I saw him CQ on 20M FT8!! We had a nice long chat about how he was enjoying being back on the air again after you and Jeff moved his gear up to his area on the main floor. He told me how much he missed going to Tom's to operate Contests, etc., and it was his favorite thing to do and spend time with the 'AZ Crew. We must have spent 45 minutes on the phone chatting about lots of Ham Radio topics. He sounded so chipper and up-beat. It's unbelievable that he passed away hours later. Reno , RIP, Good Friend!!!! de Bob K8BL

We have lost a good friend. The "Octo op" will be missed. R.I.P. OM, Ron, K8NZ

Very sorry to hear the news about Reno. He was a good friend to all and will surely be missed. Tom K8CX

As others have noted, this is such sad and surprising news, especially in light of recent reports that he was doing better. If someone could produce a bio and picture or pictures of Reno, I will post them on the NCC website. You will be missed, OM Reno. 73, Hal W1NN

Very sad to hear this. Please pass along my profound regrets to all over Reno's passing. I really enjoyed being with him at the K8AZ operations I was privileged to participate in. A great guy. RIP. Pat N9RV

It is indeed sad to hear of the passing of one of the stalwarts of NCC and the K8AZ Multiop efforts. RIP, OM. Jim K8MR

My deepest sympathies!..Met Reno several times at NCC events, great guy... Jon K8LY

Reno was a linch pin in the local ham community. He will be extremely missed. 73 Tim, KQ8M

Very sad time for his family and his ham family. He will be missed. An NCC stalwart for so very long. RIP OM. Scott N3RA

Sad news indeed, may he Rest In Peace. ...-.- Jamie WW3S