The Michigan APCO Chapter on June 2 lost a member and friend, David Hugh Held, 84. He was born Aug. 9, 1936, in Paw Paw, Michigan, and grew up on his family farm developing skills working with electronics. He served as a Michigan APCO chapter president and served many years as frequency coordinator.

His sons referred to Dave as “the magician” because of his ability to repair and build even the most challenging projects. He pioneered digital communications for the Michigan State Police when he began a 40-year career in 1957. He was promoted to director of communications in 1975 and managed this division until his retirement in 1997.

Held was a HAM radio operator and was actively involved in radio clubs in Michigan and Minnesota. Held has been honored by having his call numbers N8CFM retired as “Silent Key” status, never to be used again.

He is survived by his wife Roberta Held of Wadena; sons Tim (Sandy) Held of Lansing, Michigan, and Jeff (Maureen) Held of Venice, Florida; grandchild Brendan Held; stepchildren: Von, Lee, Jay, Todd, Shelly, Bobbie and Jessie.

See Held’s full obituary here.