Tom McDuffie KM6K

Tom McDuffie; 'Ham' with Wide-Ranging Interests Helped Others

By Blanca Gonzalez Union-Tribune Staff Writer July 25, 2009, Page B5 His interests ranged from butterflies and birds to muscle cars and NASCAR, but most people knew Tom McDuffie as a "ham." As manager of the local Ham Radio Outlet store and a longtime amateur radio operator, Mr. McDuffie advised and mentored many newcomers to the hobby. He took pride in making two-way radio contact with many foreign countries and other faraway places, and in helping others get started in amateur radio. Those he helped included Walter Cronkite, King Hussein of Jordan and comedian Garry Shandling. Mr. McDuffie died July 13 at a San Diego hospital after suffering a stroke. He was 62.

"It's a very addictive hobby," said friend Jim McCook. "There's a certain thrill in (connecting) with someplace in the world you hadn't contacted before It's another victory."

McCook said Mr. McDuffie was among those who had the technique and knowledge of the airwaves and different frequencies to be able to contact places such
as Mongolia, South Africa and the Czech Republic.

Mr. McDuffie was known as an honest, reliable man of integrity, who was always willing to offer help and advice, said Bob Gonsett, president of
communications consulting firm CGC.

"You don't find people of Tom's mettle every day," Gonsett said.

Mr. McDuffie's daughter Shannon said he enjoyed networking with people around the world. "He taught me how to build a radio when I was 12," she
said.

"He had so much knowledge about many things, and he had so much passion for many aspects of life. He could tell you anything about history, radios,
gardening , " Shannon McDuffie said.

"He could build a car; he had one of the best muscle cars in San Diego. He could tell you every type of bird and every type of butterfly. He read everything," she said.

Dan Schrokosch of San Marcos met Mr. McDuffie at the Carlsbad Raceway. "He always had a smile on his face, and he would help anybody," Schrokosch said.
Mr. McDuffie enjoyed drag racing and showing cars, and was especially proud of his yellow 1969 Camaro.

In addition to ham radio, gardening and cars, he was a marathon runner and enjoyed playing golf.

Thomas F. McDuffie Jr. was born March 18, 1947, in Long Beach, where he graduated from high school and attended Long Beach City College. Serving in
the Army, he was stationed in Germany and other parts of Europe in the mid-1960s.

Mr. McDuffie was a salesman for Jim Beam Distillery when Glen Rattman met him. Rattman was manager of Ham Radio Outlet when he hired Mr. McDuffie to
help him in 1978.

"Tom had a reputation for a wry sense of humor, but he took his job seriously. He got a sense of satisfaction out of helping people get
acquainted with ham radio," Rattman said.

During his time visiting bars and restaurants for Jim Beam, Mr. McDuffie developed an interest in wine and food, his daughter said. He was a wine collector and supported her interest in the culinary arts, said Shannon McDuffie, who is a chef.

Mr. McDuffie is survived by his wife, Susan of Carlsbad; daughters Dana of Poway and Shannon of Carlsbad; a brother, Tim of Encinitas; and three
grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Derek.

Services have been held.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Mr. McDuffie's memory to the American Heart Association, 1710 Gilbreth Road, Burlingame, CA
94010-1795.

Memories of Tom:

A am very saddened to report that our dear friend Tom has passed away today. The entire community is at a loss at this time. Tom was a good friend for many many years and I will always cherish the times we spent together, the constant smile on his face and the vigor he had towards live, his family, friends and anyone in which he had contact. I will miss him greatly.

RIP my friend. - Victor KI6IM

Words escape me. Tom was always such a friendly and nice guy to me and everyone I know. HRO was one of the first places I visited during the first few days I was in San Diego with the Navy in late 1985, and I recall to this day the warm welcome both Tom and Glen gave me when I walked up to the counter for the very first time. It is very sad to lose such a friend far too early in life.

Fair winds and following seas, Tom. - Dan KB5MY

No doubt it will take a long time for each of us to move on from this loss so I would like to recommend taking a moment to remember Tom at the next event of this group be it a club meeting or other group gathering. May he rest in peace.

KM6K, SK - Gary N6LRV

Very sad indeed. What a great guy! WE indeed shall miss him.-
Wayne, W6EUF

Like you all I am totally shocked. I had dealt with Tom since circa 1977 at HRO and he always remembered me when I came in the store. He had told me and my xyl the sad story of the issues and loss of his son a couple years ago. What a terrible burden it was for him to bear. Since I moved to VK he still kept in touch and was always interested in how my life was going. We all have a huge loss and I will miss him very much

Steve, NF6V, VK3TDX

One of the things that made going to HRO so much fun was seeing Tom. He made you feel like the most important customer, and, oh, that smile. He will surely be missed.

Gayle Olson, K6GO

I didn't know Tom personally but as a member of the ham radio community and family my heart is saddened. My prayers are with Tom, his family, and all those that knew him.

W1CTM

Flowers have been sent (thanks WB), tequila shots have been done in his honor (a ritual we had w/ Tom & now upon Susan's orders) but dammit, it still ain't right.
No words can sufficiently illustrate this man...other than that smile of his as he stood behind the counter. Hopefully, that picture will remain with us for a long while.
May he rest in peace and may those left behind find solace in knowing that he was defintely one of the "good guys" and will be
sorely missed by many.

Ellen, N6UWW

After the first two times I went into HRO, when I moved here in June, 2004, Tom knew me by name and call. When he wasn't busy (which wasn't often ), we would swap yarns about the one (new country ) that got away. Yes Gayle, Tom will be sorely missed

Bob, WA4CHI

In the 16 years that I've been a customer at HRO, I don't think Tom and I had any chat that lasted longer than 3 minutes! As a SWL back then, I always found it gratifying to have someone like Tom behind the counter. Later when I became a ham, I learned that Tom was also in the friendship business. Whether I was looking for an antenna, a rig, a book, some feedline or just a connector, Tom was there to serve and to help the beginning ham.

Someone once wrote that the making and keeping of friends is the best token we have of a man's true success in life. If the current flow of condolences is any indication, we may rest assured that Tom was a very successful person in life, as well as business.

I will always remember the kindnesses shown me through those years. I will truly miss him.

May we all extend a special blessing to Tom and his bereft family.

Alan M. Vigeant, KI6HPO

I do have my own little tidbit involving him. It started after I got my license in the mail, no internet access back then, and I headed to HRO after payday. I saw a real nice Chevy Cameo in the parking lot and thought to myself, “I'm in the right place”. I headed into the candy store with thoughts of a nice FT-736R with all the bells and
whistles, but the pocketbook said no. I walked in and was greeted by a smiling grey haired mustached man. I explained that I was a new ham and only knew I wanted to talk to as many people I can.

After a hour or so of questions and answers back and forth, it was decided that a Kenwood TH-22AT would fit the bill for now. So I headed on my way with a plain brown box that said Kenwood on it, along with a ARRL repeater directory and a set of Jerry Ziliak code tapes. The very next payday I decided that I needed a few accessories for my new little treasure. I walked in and asked Tom for some advice on what would be best for me. Again, twenty minutes of questions and answers go by. I made my purchase and was on my way. Two weeks later I was at the bank cashing my check when I said to myself, “What can I get this week?”. When I get to HRO I hear “Hay there Sean. Coming by to drop off your paycheck to us?” Well, I think a few hams know exactly what that feels like.

Fast forward 13 years. I had been out of the hobby for four or five years and have not seen the inside of HRO for more that 15 years. I thought, I need a hobby.

Wait. I have one, ham radio! I need new everything because I got rid of a lot of what I had. As I walk into HRO I hear a familiar voice from the other side of the store say “ Sean! How have you been?”

Right then I had a flashback to 1994 when I was a starving new college grad spending his paychecks week after week on this fun hobby. We talked for a few minutes, then I asked “What's new to HF, VHF, UHF?”. An hour later I was walking out with a Kenwood TS-2000 for the RV and a TS-2000 for the shack. I have very fond memories of a lot of hams that have gone silent but Tom always will be remembered as one who was helpful, friendly and most importantly, the one who could get me to spend paycheck after paycheck on radio equipment and smile while I did it.

Sean, KE6MTX

From Susan McDuffie, Tom's XYL:

August 12, 2009

I also want to make sure that everyone in the San Diego DX club and all of the other clubs know how much myself and family appreciate all of the cards, flowers and nice words across the internet about Tom. Please let all of them know how much it meant for so many of Tom's Ham friends to attend the service. I don't have everyone's addresses and would greatly appreciate your help with getting this out to the clubs.

I am lost for words, as I miss him so much.

Thank you so much for doing all of this.

Susan