A longstanding and well-respected member of the amateur radio community has become a Silent Key. Frank Butler, W4RH, had been active in ham radio since the 1940s, when he received his commercial and his amateur licenses. He spent part of his professional career as a broadcast engineer at several radio stations. By many accounts, he gave back generously to amateur radio over many decades. He served for nearly 30 years as the Southeastern Division director of the ARRL until he stepped down in 2007. He had begun his service with the league in 1957 as communications manager for the Western Florida Section.
According to a posting on the Facebook page of the Alabama section of the ARRL, Frank became a Silent Key on Tuesday the 5th of August. He was 100 years old.
On March 6th of this year, on the occasion of his becoming a centenarian, the Okaloosa County Board in Florida proclaimed the date "Frank M. Butler Jr. Day."
Hams throughout the division and beyond posted on social media, recalling him as a gentleman and a frequent and prominent guest at Huntsville and other hamfests. His generous spirit was also widely known: He was a member of the ARRL Maxim Society, which recognizes donors for their extraordinary monetary gifts to the league.