Sally “Mary” Ryden – K8ONV.

The Englewood Amateur Radio Society (EARS) has acquired the call K8ONV as its club call sign in order to perpetuate the memory of Mary Ryden. Mary was a beloved member of this club until her death in July of 1996. Her ham career was illustrious and exemplifies many of the qualities all hams should strive for.

First licensed in 1959, Mary was part of an all-ham family, along with her husband, Ken, K8OHG, and two daughters, Sally K8ONW, and Alicia K8RBB. They were written up in CQ Magazine back in 1962 and noted for the fact that they used ham radio to bring their family together and give it a common goal. At that point, Mary was already active in Dxing and performing QSL management activities for several DX stations.

She was also noted for her traffic handling activities. Her personal efforts in supplying communications for Erie and Huron County residents in Ohio saved lives when a summer storm front moved through, spawning killer tornadoes and severe thunderstorms throughout northern Ohio. Before the 1969 storms the family aided residents of earthquake-struck Los Angeles, and more recently helped pass messages after the Xenia, Ohio tornado.

Mary became FOC in 1967 and served that organization well, pioneering the Florida FOC Annual Dinners held each year in Kissimmee, FL. A superb DX operator, she had confirmed 360 countries mixed and 340 on phone.

But mostly Mary is remembered by hundreds of radio amateurs the world around as a friend and a shining example of what the hobby should represent. EARS is proud to have acquired this call sign and hopes that in using it during contests and special events it will help keep Mary Ryden’s memory alive for those who were lucky enough to associate with her.