It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that I bring you the news of Dennis Riise’s passing early this morning.

  Dennis was a founding member of the Irving Amateur Radio Club about a half a century ago. His impact on the organization was immeasurable, and the hole his absence leaves in the organization is considerable. He was always available to help anyone interested in joining our hobby, and he has been a guiding force and moral conscience of the IARC for the past several decades. To say he will be missed is a terrible understatement, and our organization will be forever in his debt for his efforts and energy for all these years. Dennis was a friend, mentor and leader to all in the club and the community. He pushed the club to do things other radio clubs do not normally do, like support the Great Days of Service organization, which extends our service to our community in a practical, impactful way. Dennis was a kind soul, always willing to make time for others and lend a hand when he could.

I mourn Dennis’s passing, but I celebrate that I had the opportunity to be near him, to learn from him, and hopefully I can carry on the traditions he taught me before his passing.

I’d like to ask that we try and find some way to memorialize/remember Dennis at our upcoming Thursday Night Net.

The club, through James Shugart, N5BKL, is in contact with his wife Margret, and if any opportunities to help her arise we will reach out to the membership to help meet her needs. Once we learn of any planned services in his memory, we will share the information with the membership immediately.

Ken Hansen, N2VIP
President, Irving Amateur Radio Club, Inc.