Noted Contester Phil Goetz, N6ZZ, SK

Phil Goetz, N6ZZ, concentrates on the task at hand during the 2004 CQ World Wide DX contest at the world-class HC8L station in the Galapagos Islands. [Art Goddard, W6XD, Photo]

"Ever mindful of the scarcity of hair on his head, Phil sported a variety of hats, several with attached hairpieces," said Art Goddard, W6XD. "But during antenna setup for the 2005 CQ WW DX contest, the team thought Phil needed a bit more protection from the tropical sun. A quick trip to the local marketplace yielded a colorful Rastafarian hat, complete with dreadlocks. Phil accepted this gift with great appreciation." [Art Goddard, W6XD, Photo]

NEWINGTON, CT, Mar 1, 2007 -- World-class Amateur Radio contester Phil Goetz, N6ZZ, of Alto, New Mexico, died unexpectedly February 27. He was 64. Goetz reportedly suffered a cerebral hemorrhage while playing racquetball. Past ARRL Southwestern Division Director Art Goddard, W6XD, called Goetz, who competed on phone and CW, HF and VHF/UHF, "a consummate contester."

"The contest community has lost one of its most outstanding practitioners and Amateur Radio has lost a fine gentleman," he said this week.

ARRL Southwestern Division Director Dick Norton, N6AA -- himself an active contester and DXer -- said he and Goetz were best friends. "We started operating together at W6RW's in 1965, when Phil moved to Los Angeles from Wisconsin," Norton said. "We operated 23 CQ World Wide phone contests as well as other contests together." Norton said he'd miss Goetz's assistance with CQ WW log checking and as a good friend. "I conversed often with Phil, something else that I will miss," he added.

An ARRL member, Goetz had the distinction of being only one of two radio amateurs to operate the CQ World Wide DX Contest from all 40 CQ zones. ARRL CEO David Sumner, K1ZZ, said Goetz operated Zone 5 -- saving the easiest zone for last -- from his station in 2004 after spending Thanksgiving with the Sumners.

"He did a great job, placing in the US top 10 from an unfamiliar station, and he taught me a thing or two about SO2R [single operator/two radio] and staying in the chair," Sumner recounted. "We had talked recently about his new house and how excited he was about the next chapter of his life. It seems so tragic that the chapter will remain unwritten -- and yet, what an amazing chronicle Phil put together in his all-too-short 64 years on the planet."

He also noted that Goetz was a key member of the judging committee at the World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC 2006) in Brazil last July.

Goddard says Goetz cut his contesting teeth as K9ELT, operating in the ARRL Communications Department CD Parties in the 1950s and early 1960s, and he operated with Goetz during his quest to work the CQ WW from all 40 zones.

"Phil always kept his composure on the air, even when dealing with unruly pileups after 40+ hours of nonstop contest operation. He was most thoughtful of other members of his contest team and was ready to apply his quick wit and sense of humor to any situation."

When a contest was over, Goddard continued, Goetz collected and submitted the team's logs and even uploaded them to Logbook of the World. "Those of you who have received QSL cards from our contest expeditions have Phil to thank for his skills as photographer, art director, and producer," he said.

Wayne Greaves, W0ZW, reports that Goetz was in the midst of outfitting a new contest station. "His quick fist, Top 10-ranked contesting proficiency and witty quips will be sorely missed," W0ZW remarked. Goetz was a member of the Sierra Blanca Amateur Radio Club and the A-1 Operator Club.

Arrangements are incomplete.

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