In silent waves, the airwaves mourn, a key now stilled, a legend born.  
Dr. Bob Heil, K9EID, his call,  
In the ether, his voice did fall.  
A valiant fight, a year in span,  
Cancer's battle, a brave man ran.  
Surrounded by love, in peace, he passed,  
Into the memories, his legacy cast.  

A passion for radio, clear and bright,  
Guiding waves, through day and night.  
Everything he touched, for growth, for better,  
His spirit in service, an unbreakable fetter.  
Instructional guides, presentations with zest,  
Support for ARRL, in youth, he invested.  

An Elmer to all, a mentor, a guide,  
His absence now felt, a missing tide.  
Yet, in the silence, his impact resonates,  
A beacon of love, through the ether, it radiates.  
To ham operators, across every land,  
Bob's spirit whispers, in the airwaves, it stands.  

So let's key our mics, in homage, in grace,  
For Dr. Bob Heil, an irreplaceable space.  
His journey on earth, a radiant trail,  
In every static crackle, his story we hail.  
Though the key is silent, his legacy sings,  
In the heart of the hobby, his spirit brings wings.  

Farewell, beloved founder, your journey now ends,  
But in frequencies wide, your essence extends.  
A Silent Key, yet your message loud,  
Dr. Bob Heil, forever proud.  
In the hobby you loved, your passion remains,  
An eternal echo, in the amateur radio lanes.

March 1, 2024
Created by 
MarkWaldrop KE4WA