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
David Matthews KI6ACO SK by Clement KM6OKZ
They say things happen in “3’s”. So it has been with the passing of John Gartman to be
followed by Bob Brodie and now the 3rd Silent Key, one Mr. David Stewart Matthews.
David was one not a VCARC member but an amateur radio operator neighbor of mine
whose close proximity I had zero knowledge of until receiving a call from Chris Dimond
to tell me that he had received a call from Mrs. Matthews, inquiring as to whether there
might be an interest in acquiring her late husband’s radio equipment and miscellaneous
related items. Chris gave me her contact information. I called her and made
arrangements to pick the donated items. I coordinated with Denney, Chris, Alan and
Robert. Robert wanted to be there but couldn’t make it. There wasn’t a lot to be had.
But I think everyone agreed it was sufficient to have justified our combined efforts.
The donated items were transported to Denney where they will be catalogued and valuated
with a view to putting them up for sale on the club website. Present circumstances
forbid us from actually selling anything, at least for the time being, but we hopefully
anticipate that this “no sales” situation might be resolved sooner rather than later.
The passing of folks you’ve known for a long time has a strangeness about it. One has
a tendency to imbue friends and acquaintances with the quality of indelible
permanence. It’s only when they’re gone that we’re reminded again that we all owe a
death, and that there are no exceptions.
Death softly whispers to us, reminding us, warning us to heed the importance, the
imperative of cherishing those dear to us while we can. The death of David Matthews
has a different slant to it. Seeing the things that were his made me wonder about what
manner of man that he was… and in seeing his possessions, I experienced a kind of soft
regret, a sadness for my not having been destined to meet and known the man
who owned these simple things.
At Home, Anchored by Faith, Bob Brodie KJ6AAE Passed Peacefully
At Home, Surrounded by Love and Song, Anchored by Faith, Bob Went Home to His Father
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 will be held on July 25th at 11am PDT (Ventura)
Please Join Us in Celebrating the Life of Robert “Bob” Brodie
Hosted by Korleen Brodie
Saturday, July 25 11:00 AM
First United Methodist Church
1338 E. Santa Clara St., Ventura, CA 93003
Message from the Host
The Celebration of Life service will begin promptly at 11:00 AM in the church sanctuary.
Following the service, we hope to gather outdoors for military honors (pending final confirmation and Honor Guard availability), after which everyone is invited to join us in the fellowship hall for lunch, fellowship, a photo slideshow, memory displays, and an open microphone where family and friends are welcome to share memories of Bob.
Guests are encouraged to plan on joining us from approximately 11:00 AM until 2:30 PM, with the fellowship hall remaining open until 4:00 PM for anyone who would like to stay and continue visiting.
Please RSVP to Korleen at 1 (805) 216-6284 by July 16th
Thank you
Scott
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.
Many have asked how they can continue to help. In the days ahead, blessing the Brodie household with meals would be a tremendous gift and would help ease the burden on our family during this season of grief and remembrance.
To participate in the Meal Train, please visit:
https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/v67v4z
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.
We look forward to sharing details about Bob’s celebration of life in the coming days.
With love and gratitude,
The Brodie Family
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.
