Used courtesy of Dale
Huffman and the
Dayton Daily News
DATE: June 2, 2003
As services are held today in honor of the life and contributions
of Francis J. "Frank" Schwab, tributes by the dozens are being
dispatched from around the world to his wife, Carolyn, and the Schwab
family.
Schwab died Friday in the hospice unit at the Dayton Veterans Affairs Center hospital after a battle with cancer, with many medical complications. He was 77. Known by many as W8OK, his ham radio call letters, Schwab is one of the founders of the annual Hamvention, which brings as many as 30,000 radio operators to the Dayton area each spring for a convention at Hara Arena.
In a profile
last week, we included some of Schwab's gifts to the
community, and pointed out that many called him Mr. Hamvention. Among
other
things, he is credited with organizing the Skywarn network of amateur
radio
operators that assists the national weather service in spotting and
reporting
volatile weather situations around the clock.
Schwab lived in Butler Twp. A Mass celebrating his life is to be held today at 10 a.m. at St. Christopher Catholic Church in Vandalia. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery.
Paula Wathen of Miami Twp., one of 12 children (seven daughters and five sons) Schwab leaves behind, said the family is thankful the tribute was printed before Schwab lost his battle.
"The article came at
a perfect time," she said.
"Memorial Day weekend was a special time with Dad. He refused pain
medication and was alert and was surrounded by family. He was humble
and would
never boast about himself, but when we read the article to him it
triggered
memories and many conversations. He was being 'typical' Dad and made
jokes with
everyone, teased us and enjoyed being the center of attention."
There are also 30 grandchildren and three great- grandchildren. Sarah Gaul, a granddaughter who lives in Washington state, was here for the weekend to be with her family.
"I was fortunate to get here to visit with Grandpa in the hospital before he went to heaven to be with the Lord," Gaul said. "He and my grandmother have always been such wonderful influences in my life. I couldn't have asked for a better grandfather. "
Among the many
messages is one from Robert C. Kling of Vandalia, who
said, "We, the members of the ham community are saddened by the loss.
For
me, Frank was like a father, and I shall miss him deeply."
Paula Digennaro, who with her husband, Nelson, took over operation of the Skywarn network when Schwab stepped down, said her friend will be missed.
"Frank was incredible. By organizing this service after the Xenia tornado of 1974, he helped save many lives," she said. "He was inspirational. And he was always upbeat and positive. When I saw him at the hospital last week, in typical fashion he had a joke for me. He has had a lasting impact."
Jay D. Weaver of Lancaster, Pa., wrote to say, "Frank was one of the good people. He would work tirelessly for others. He was gracious, friendly and even though he suffered much from his illness, I never heard him complain. He was special."
Wathen had a final upbeat thought: "We will send Dad off with one of his favorite sayings - 'Glad you got to see me.' I firmly believe that each and every person that knew our father will agree it was a privilege, honor and joy to see him and to know him."
Dale Huffman wants
your suggestions and story ideas. He'd like to
share a story about you, your family, or a friend that you find
touching or
humorous. This column is for you. Do you want to share the special day
or neat
Copyright, 2003, Cox Ohio Publishing.