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Albert H. Hix
Albert H. Hix, 85, died June 25, 2003, at home after a short illness.
He was retired from Union Carbide Technical Center in 1985.
Al Hix, W8AH, was known around the world by thousands of amateur radio
operators and his pursuits in the DX or Distance aspect of the ham radio
hobby are unsurpassed. Al's amateur radio station, operating from the
hills of Charleston, made contact with 390 countries around the world
placing him at the top of the American Radio Relay League's Honor Roll for
such amateur radio pursuits. Al was the number one operator in the entire
world for making contact with the most countries on the 40-meter band,
where he had confirmed contacts with 362 countries. Al was first licensed
in high school, graduating from Charleston High school mid-year in 1936.
He was a 1942 graduate of West Virginia University with an Electrical
Engineering degree. While at WVU he was also in ROTC military officer's
training program and upon graduation, he joined the military, commissioned
as second lieutenant in the US Army's Signal Corps and served in World War
II in the European Theatre in England, Belgium and France.
After the war, Al returned to Charleston and was hired by Union Carbide
in 1947 and worked in their control and communication department for 28
years. During his career, he provided his expertise in electrical
engineering and control systems to Union Carbide facilities around the
world. Al got his Extra Class license in 1960 as W6BT and in 1977, took
the W8AH call which belonged to a friend of his who had become a Silent
Key. He was voted West Virginia Outstanding Amateur Radio Operator of the
Year in 1986, served as president of the West Virginia State Radio Council
for two years, and is past president of the West Virginia Quarter Century
Wireless Association. Al was vice-president of the Instrument Society of
America (ISA) and received the prestigious ISA Fellow Award.
Surviving are his wife, Constance G. Hix of Charleston; brother, James
Hix of Parkersburg.
Service will be 11 a.m. Monday, June 30, at Wilson Funeral Home,
Charleston, with Chaplain (Col.) Randall A. Kochersperger officiating.
Entombment will be in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans with military
graveside rites.
A gathering will be Sunday, June 29, at the funeral home from 5 to 7
p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to American Radio
Relay League, Albert H. Hix Memorial Scholarship Fund, 225 Main St.,
Mewington, CT 06111-1494.
Wilson Funeral Home, Charleston is in charge of arrangements.
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