Biography

John W. Farler: born on February 11, 1942 became a silent key December 2, 2024.

He was an educator for over 40 years. He served as Principal at Lothair and Roy G Eversole Elementary. Throughout his years in education, he became friends with an array of students and their families. He helped coach football at the high school. John was a member of the Hazard Lions Club and also the KEA. A Lifetime in Amateur Radio John entered the world of amateur radio at age 16, first licensed as KN4AVX. He often said: “I owe a lifetime of fun in Ham Radio to Woody Fugate, W4JDU/SK.”

Just as “Woody” mentored him and many others, John went on to mentor many more. He spent decades involved with the American Radio Relay League, teaching, encouraging, and helping new and older operators earn their licenses, equipment and antenna troubleshoot.

While he was rarely heard on SSB and only occasionally checked in on the local 2‑meter repeater, CW was his true home. John loved to “let the dits and dahs fly,” and he took great pride in serving as Net Manager for the Kentucky CW Net (KYN).

His presence on the airwaves, at club meetings, and at hamfests—including Dayton—left a lasting mark on the amateur radio community. Those who knew him remember his steady guidance, his patience, and his willingness to help anyone who showed interest in the hobby.

Equipment

John was a avid enthusiast of Ten-Tec starting with the Triton IV. Later he spent time on an Elecraft K3. As a lifelong CW operator, he appreciated well‑made Morse keys and used several over the years. His favorite was a Begali Simplex that held personal meaning to him. He also had a fondness for Vibroplex, especially knowing they were made in Knoxville, Tennessee