QST Contributing Editor and ham radio humorist John G. “Jack” Troster, W6ISQ, of Atherton, California, died January 11. He was 93.

“While his contributions to QST were not limited to fiction, Jack will always be remembered for some of the most humorous pieces ever to be written about Amateur Radio,” said ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ.

Licensed in 1935 at age 14 as W2ISQ in Yonkers, New York, Troster became W6ISQ after moving to California following World War II. Troster, Vince Chinn, W6EE (ex-K6KQN), Lee Shaklee, W6BH (SK), and Don Schliesser, K6RV, founded the Northern California DX Foundation in 1972. Troster served as an NCDXF Board member for 26 years and was the Foundation’s third President, from 1975 until 1986.

He served as president of the Northern California DX Club and the Northern California Contest Club. An ARRL Charter Life Member, he held DXCC #1 Honor Roll (Mixed, CW, and SSB) as well as 5BDXCC, 5BWAS, and the USA Counties Award (all CW). He was a member of the CQ DX Hall of Fame, the First-Class CW Operators’ Club and the A-1 Operators Club, and he was the Pacific Division representative on the ARRL DX Advisory Committee. Troster also was a member and director of the Quarter Century Wireless Association and for years wrote the monthly “QCWA” column in WorldRadio.

“He was the consummate gentleman,” said Rusty Epps, W6OAT. “He was warm and welcoming to everyone he met, and many Amateur Radio operators today enjoy the hobby as a direct result of his nurturing, encouragement and enthusiasm. Jack was known for his quick wit and encyclopedic knowledge of Amateur Radio history. His passing leaves a huge void.”

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Marguerite, KC6NFE.