We remember with respect and gratitude the members and friends of the Ventura County Amateur Radio Club (K6MEP) who have become Silent Keys. Their voices, wisdom and service to our community and the amateur radio hobby will continue to inspire us.
73 — SK
ROLAND W “WAYNE” WOODHAMS N6WIX SK by W6RH and photos from KM6RSS and KM6OKZ
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Wayne Woodhams (N6WIX), who died on October 6, 2026, at his home in Silver Springs, Nevada, two days before his 78th birthday.
Wayne was a longtime amateur radio operator who valued his years of involvement with Ventura County ACS/ARES and the many friendships he formed through the amateur radio community. According to his son, Lauren Kawika Woodhams (WH6DJO), he greatly enjoyed interacting with fellow operators over the years. Although Wayne wasn’t a member of the Ventura County Amateur Radio Club, he made many donations of equipment and helped members with his expertise.
Ventura County Activities
Wayne served as Radio Officer and District Emergency Coordinator for Ventura County from 2008 to 2012, after which he became involved with the ARRL Santa Barbara Section. As he grew older, he reduced his overall workload but remained actively engaged in radio activities.
Wayne never sought recognition for his efforts, yet he received numerous awards in appreciation of his leadership, commitment, and service. He was grateful for these acknowledgments.
Awards
His honors included a letter and plaque from the Ronald Reagan family and the U.S. Secret Service for his leadership role during the Reagan Funeral Motorcade; a Proclamation from the Ventura County Disaster Council (EPC) in 2012; Volunteer of the Year from CERT/Ventura County Fire Services in 2012; a Sheriff’s Commendation for his leadership role in Golden Guardian 2012; the 2013 ARRL Volunteer of the Year award for the ARRL Southwestern Division; and, more recently, an award from the Ventura Sheriff’s Office recognizing his 22 years of service to Ventura County.
He maintained a well-equipped home station in Ventura that he and his late wife, Linda, affectionately referred to as “Houston”.
Wayne sang throughout his life in various choirs, men’s groups, and as a soloist, and he directed many of these ensembles. In later years he noted that his voice, like the rest of his body, was no longer what it once was.
Digital Recording
Wayne also maintained a 24-track, high-definition digital recording studio in his home. He used it both for creating CD masters for local musicians and for his own musical interests. He regarded the studio as his sanctuary—a place to relax, unwind, and be creative.
Other Activities
In retirement he enjoyed time with his wife Linda (SK), being a grandfather to ten grandchildren, amateur radio, and working with music in the studio. He participated in various nets, including the Bay Area NVIS net, the Orange County RACES net, and emergency nets for Arizona, Oregon, and eastern Washington. Wayne later moved to Silver Springs, Nevada, to be with family, after his wife died.
Wayne’s back yard and covered patio sorting area
Life Choices
Wayne was a lifelong committed Christian who sought excellence in everything he did. He loved life, people, and those who shared his commitments.
Despite significant health challenges, he experienced meaningful improvements in 2025 and was able to enjoy walking when the weather permitted. He remained interested in amateur radio throughout his life and will be remembered for his participation, enthusiasm, and contributions to the community.
He will be missed by his family, friends, and the many members of the amateur radio community whose lives he touched.
Lauren has permitted his email address to be shared for anyone who would like to contact him: Lkwoodhams@gmail.com
At this time, no service is planned. Updates will be provided if more information becomes available.
73,
Rob Hanson W6RH
David Matthews KI6ACO SK by Clement KM6OKZ
They say things happen in threes. So it has been with the passing of John Gartman, followed by Bob Brodie, David Stewart Matthews and now the fourth Silent Key, Wayne Woodhams.
David was not a VCARC member, but an amateur radio operator and neighbor of mine. I had no idea of his close proximity until I received a call from Chris Dimond. Chris told me that Mrs. Matthews had contacted him to ask whether there might be interest in acquiring her late husband’s radio equipment and related items. Chris passed along her contact information. I called her and arranged to pick up the donated equipment. I coordinated with Denney, Chris, Alan, and Robert. Robert wanted to be there but was unable to make it. There wasn’t a large amount of equipment, but I think everyone agreed it was enough to justify our combined efforts.
The donated items were taken to Denney’s, where they will be catalogued and valued with a view toward offering them for sale on the club website. Present circumstances prevent us from actually selling anything for the time being, but we hope this “no sales” situation can be resolved sooner rather than later.
The passing of people you’ve known for a long time has a certain strangeness about it. We tend to imbue friends and acquaintances with a sense of permanence. Only when they’re gone are we reminded again that we all owe a death, and that there are no exceptions.
Death softly whispers to us, reminding us to cherish those dear to us while we can. The death of David Matthews has a different slant. Seeing the things that were his made me wonder what manner of man he was. In looking at his possessions, I felt a kind of soft regret—a sadness that I never had the chance to meet and know the man who owned these simple things.
At Home, Anchored by Faith, Bob Brodie KJ6AAE Passed Peacefully
Anchored by faith and surrounded by love, Bob completed his earthly journey on Thursday, June 18, at 4:04 p.m.
Bob Brodie passed peacefully at home, exactly where he wanted to be. Surrounded by family, love, song, and faith, Mom, Dale, and Scott were by his side, sharing those final moments together.
Bob’s Celebration of Life was held on July 25th at 11am PDT (Ventura)
The Celebration of Life service began at 11:00 AM in the church sanctuary.
Following the service, there was an outdoor gathering for military honors, after which everyone was invited to join the family in the fellowship hall for lunch, fellowship, a photo slideshow, memory displays, and an open microphone where family and friends shared memories of Bob.
Guests joined us from approximately 11:00 AM until 2:30 PM, with the fellowship hall opened until 4:00 PM for those who chose to stay and continue visiting.
Bob’s wish throughout this journey was simple: to remain at home with the people he loved. Through the incredible support of family, friends, caregivers, hospice staff, neighbors, and our community, that wish became a reality. For that, we will be forever grateful.
While our hearts ache with the loss of someone we love so deeply, we are grateful that Bob is no longer suffering and is now at rest. The faith that anchored him throughout his life remained steadfast through his final days and provided strength, comfort, and hope during this journey.
One of the greatest blessings of these final weeks was the opportunity to celebrate Bob while he was still with us. We celebrated Father’s Day together, and moving forward, June 18 will forever be known in our family as “Dad’s Day.” Each year we will remember his faith, his love for family, his generosity, his sense of humor, and the countless ways he shaped our lives.
His final days were filled with something truly special: people.
Friends, neighbors, church family, and loved ones came from near and far to spend time with him. They sat by his bedside, held his hand, shared stories, laughed, cried, prayed, and reminded him how deeply he was loved. Those conversations, embraces, and quiet moments became precious gifts that our family will treasure forever. Every visit was meaningful. Every person brought comfort. Every act of kindness reminded us how many lives Bob touched throughout his 89 years.
One particularly beautiful moment came on Sunday when a group of friends gathered around Bob’s bedside and sang hymns together. The room was filled with faith, gratitude, tears, love, and worship. It was one of many moments that reminded us that we were not walking this journey alone.
Music became a constant companion throughout Bob’s final weeks. Nearly every day there was singing. We sang The Old Rugged Cross, one of Bob’s favorite hymns, along with How Great Thou Art, You Raise Me Up, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, cherished worship songs, and many other favorites that brought comfort, strength, and joy into the room. Even when words became difficult, music continued to speak. It connected us, lifted us, and filled our home with peace.
The outpouring of support our family received has been overwhelming. Meals were delivered. Prayers were lifted. Cards were sent. Errands were run. Tears were shared. So many people stepped forward to help carry us through this season. We have been blessed not only by lifelong friendships, but also by new friendships formed during this journey that will last a lifetime.
Thank you for every prayer, visit, phone call, text message, meal, card, song, and act of kindness. You helped make Bob’s final days exactly what he hoped they would be: filled with faith, family, friendship, music, and love.
We could never adequately express our gratitude for the love that has surrounded our family. You helped make this difficult journey more beautiful than we ever thought possible.
73 and Godspeed, Bob. May you rest peacefully in the arms of the angels. SK.
John Gartman, W6JPG (SK May 23, 2026)
Longtime Treasurer, Ventura County Amateur Radio Club
John served our club faithfully for many years as Treasurer, handling duties with care, dedication, and quiet reliability. He was a valued member of our ham radio community and a man who loved his family deeply. John returned home with honors. As his wife lovingly shared:
“My wonderful husband John returned home with honors this morning.
Thank you to all who’ve been with us during this horrible time.
He loved us well and will always be with us.”
My wonderful husband John returned home with honors this morning…” — Peggy Gartman
Rest easy, John. 73, old friend — you are now Silent Key.
Rod Austin, KA6GSU (SK April 14, 2026) Longtime Board Member and President
Roderick M. Austin was a dedicated President from 2003 to 2007 and a Board Member from 2007 to 2019 as well as an active participant in club activities for many years. He contributed significantly to the Ventura County Amateur Radio Club and the broader ham community through his involvement and support. His steady presence and service will be remembered by all who knew him on the air and at club events.
To learn more about Rod please see our past Keyer issues and announcements.
Rest in peace, Rod. Your signal may be silent, but your contributions endure.
Zak Cohen, N6PK (SK January 27, 2026) Navy Veteran, Mentor, and Community Builder
Born in January 1942 and licensed in 1961 during his Navy service, Zak was a quiet giant in our Amateur Radio family. A Combat Navy Veteran (Vietnam era, retired as Chief Petty Officer), he mentored countless new hams with patience and encouragement. He served in Auxiliary Communications (ACS) for over 16 years, acted as Emergency Coordinator and Section Training Manager, and was a two-term President of the Conejo Valley Amateur Radio Club. Zak was a member of K6MEP and generously provided county updates during meetings. His calm voice reassured many on emergency nets.
Read the full heartfelt farewell: ZACHARY (Zak) Cohen, N6PK — A Heartfelt Farewell Zak’s legacy lives in the operators he steadied and the community he strengthened.
Godspeed, N6PK. 73 and SK.
