ALBERT BRYAN 'BUTCH' McGEE, SR
K3YO
1946  -  2009

Butch McGee passed away on July 2, 2009 at the age of 62 following years of fighting diabetes and heart problems and other complications along the way.  He is survived by his wife, Dawn (K3DLM), his son, Bryan, Jr., his daughter, Pam, and three grandchildren, Meghan, Hannah and Josh.

Butch was an amazing and brilliant man.  From the time when he joined the ECARA in 1998, he epitomized what an Amateur Radio operator should be.  He helped pretty much all of us in the early years of the club to get our licenses, especially the Extra Class ones.  He worked in groups or one-on-one to give us the knowledge and the confidence to keep climbing higher.  He was our station trustee, and kept the repeater in top working order.  He taught us about antennas and different modes of operating.  He loved making contacts all over the world, whether it was during a contest or on his own.  While he was able to, he wrote a monthly column for our newsletter entitled "Butch's Place"  where he combined knowledge and humor to teach us about Amateur Radio.  He also would answer questions about radio or computers on our weekly radio net.    His knowledge of computers was vast.  When any kind of a question or problem arose, the first comment was invariably, "Let's call Butch."  As his health took its toll on him, he wasn't able to attend meetings or events very much, but that didn't stop him from being involved wherever he could.

In his life, Butch was an Electrical Systems Design Engineer.  He worked for CTR Systems of Cranberry until his health forced him to retire.  He also told us stories of his working on the Hubble Telescope for NASA and helping to design elements of the new Pittsburgh Airport.  In his 'spare' time, he loved model railroads and woodworking. 

But his real legacy to his family and friends was his faith in Jesus Christ.  He was a member of Victory Family Church in Cranberry Twp.  He loved to teach others about the Bible, and his life reflected the faith that he taught and helped to instill in others.  Our sympathy and sadness must needs be for ourselves for not having him in our midst any longer.  But we can only rejoice that he is happily in the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Goodbye for now, Butch.  We will greatly miss you, but you will be in our hearts always.