Long-Time ARRL Southeastern Division Assistant Director Charles I. “Chuck” Baer, W4ROA, of Sunrise, Florida, died March 7 after a lengthy illness. He was 74. An ARRL member, Baer had served three ARRL Southeastern Division directors over the years.

“Chuck and I have worked together for over 30 years with local ARRL affairs,” said ARRL Southern Florida Section Manager Jeff Beals, WA4AW. “He was very active in the Broward County Amateur Radio community.”

Originally licensed KN9TVA in 1959 when he was 17, Baer worked at Allied Radio in Chicago before moving to South Florida to work for Motorola at the company’s Plantation manufacturing facility.

“He led the team that produced the Amateur Radio gear for the Space Shuttle program,” said Beals. “Chuck was a founding member of the Motorola Amateur Radio Club W4MOT and served as repeater trustee for many years.” Baer retired from Motorola after nearly 3 decades of service.

Baer was a member of the South Florida DX Association, the Broward Amateur Radio Club, the Palmetto Amateur Radio Club, and the Everglades Chapter 69 of QCWA. He was active on the Southeast Florida Traffic Net. He belonged to the ARRL A-1 Operators Club and served as an ARRL Official Observer for more than 50 years in Illinois and Florida.

Survivors include his son Mark, KF4MXS. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 10, at noon, at the Star of David Memorial Gardens and Chapel, 7801 Bailey Road in North Lauderdale.