March 3, 2006

The following is from Net Manager Ernie Bonner - K4ZQ

Once again, I must tell you of a passing. To say that Ruth Hoffman was my friend is on a personal level, however, this is so much more than personal.  Ruth Hoffman was a friend to the Intercon Net.

I am not going to try to list her services and contributions to the net.  If I attempted that, I'd need volumes.  I will simply say that her hand on the helm guided it through one of its most difficult periods.

Ruth was also a personal guide and great friend to yours truly.  It was she who recruited me as a net control operator, and then to the position of assistant manager.  When circumstances allowed me the privilege of becoming manager, this titan of Intercon did me the honor of becoming my assistant.

Again, she was a guiding hand and teacher--not hesitating to tell me when she thought I was incorrect.  After she resigned--due to health reasons, she remained a dear friend to the end of her life.

Like many others, I have lost a dear and personal friend.  I can only hope that we who are left to carry on can maintain her vision of what this net should be--a means by which ham radio can be of service whenever, and wherever possible.

All that’s left for me to say is: “Good-bye, Madame, and May God give you his rest and peace!

88s,
Ernie Bonner
K4ZQ
Intercon Net Manger