Today we take a few minutes to remember long-time club member Everett KA1BFA, who became a Silent Key on November 5, 2026. Some EAWA members and friends had known Everett for many years. Some of the stories shared around the coffee table highlighted how much he enjoyed Field Day.
“I first met Everett in the 70s working at Radio Shack. As time went by I saw him at Hermon Hamfest. I walked up to him and he did not remember me. After joining the EAWA, I got to know him again. He will be missed at coffee and at meetings. RIP Everett.” ~Mel W1MEB
“Everett and I were responsible for working with Harvey Trailers to fabricate the EmComm trailer. Everett took the lead in this.” ~Rob W8HAP
“KA1BFA – Big Fat Albert. That was Everett’s classic announcement whenever he got on the air. But he listened more than he talked, at least on the air. Whether on the local repeaters, or on 3.940 MHz, Ev was always listening, and sometimes would surprise me when I put my call out on 3940 prior to the Seagull Net or the Maine Emergency Communications Net starting. Clandestine coffee meetings will not be the same without him. RIP Everett.” ~Phil N1EP
“Ev, KA1BFA was one of my many great Elmers 28 years ago when I got licensed. Sometimes gruff, but there when you needed him, not only for radio but life’s rough spells. Last year, while undergoing treatments for cancer at the Lafayette Center in Brewer, Monday thru Friday, I was at home during a very rainy day and a I heard knocking at the door. I found Ev standing there, soaking wet. He wanted me to know that if I needed a ride to treatments he would drop everything and be available. Ham radio introduced me to Everett and showed me Amateur Radio isn’t all technical….it’s community and understanding.” ~Dick W1KRP
Some of the club members had only met Everett in the last few years. For those of us who have joined the club in the last few years, we know Everett as one who visited Clandestine Coffee and Weekend Sessions for as long as his health would allow.
“When I joined the club, I remember a conversation I had with him about emergency preparedness. I explained I thought ham radio might be useful in an emergency to keep my family in contact with emergency services and to know what is going on. He quickly corrected me and explained that I had an obligation not only to my family, but to the community as well. By the way he said it, I could tell he was passionate about helping others and his insight has stuck with me.” ~Greg KC1RID
“One day at coffee I was talking about contesting. Everett stated with much conviction, “Marion, you don’t get on the radio to say ‘5 9 Mike Echo,’ you get on the radio to talk to people.” It was clear that communicating with local hams, keeping the community informed, was very important to him.” ~Marion W1GRL
Rest In Peace, Everett.
The obituary: https://obituaries.bangordailynews.com/obituary/everett-beal-jr-1094142667
Written by Marion W1GRL
