Robert John Hannan, G4RQJ, was not just one of the best-known and longest-serving members of the SOTA community but perhaps one of its best loved. He was there in 2002 when SOTA was a dream realised by so many outdoor enthusiasts who believed that combining radio with a bit of adventure would be a peak experience in every sense of the word.

Rob became a Silent Key on the 25th of September in the Risedale St Cuthberts Nursing Home. His death was reported recently on the SOTA Reflector.

Even as poor health began to hamper his activities, Rob's enthusiasm remained strong. His final activation, made in 2018, was number 916. Even away from the summits, his was a particularly familiar face at the annual Norbreck Rally in Blackpool, where accompanied by his wife Audrey, he staffed the SOTA stand and greeted visitors warmly.

The SOTA Reflector post noted that his cheerful and caring demeanor was as present on the air as off the air. The post said: [quote] "Whether answering your call as a chaser or in summit-to-summit QSO, he always sounded as though he was having the time of his life and was absolutely delighted to hear from you." [endquote]

Rob was 84.