About the 76ers

In 2010, Richard was called to be the Emergency Communications Specialist in his ward. He immediately began studying for his ham radio license, which he passed with flying colors. Upon receiving his license, he purchased a handheld radio, followed shortly by a base station. He quickly began monitoring the 146.760 MHz repeater — affectionately known as "the '76" — awaiting the opportunity for a QSO.

Richard also had a scanner that he often listened to. One day, he heard a young boy calling out for someone to talk to. Although others had just been chatting, no one returned the boy’s call. The boy — Nate, with the callsign KF7KGN — moved from repeater to repeater, hoping for a response. When he tried the '76, Richard answered. Coincidentally, Richard’s callsign was KF7KGK, nearly identical. They quickly realized they had taken the exam the same evening and remembered seeing each other.

This serendipitous QSO sparked a lasting friendship. Soon, other young ham operators — around Nate’s age of 11 — began joining the conversation. Richard, a natural facilitator, created an informal roundtable, inviting everyone to participate in games and discussions. It was fun, friendly, and fueled by a shared passion for radio.

The group grew rapidly. The kids proposed starting a ham radio club and asked Richard to be the president. Though he initially resisted, he agreed to form a "Ham Social Group" instead — and, with a bit of humor, took the role of "chair" man (since he already had a wheelchair!).

As time passed, more adult operators began joining in, intrigued by the fun and camaraderie. Though many of the younger hams eventually moved on, Nate and a few others remained active. The group began organizing social events — and just like that, the 76ers were born.

For years, Richard found deep meaning and joy in the 76ers and ham radio. It opened up a world that had been closed to him due to being homebound. Through radio, he connected with countless wonderful people and made lifelong friendships. To his final days, Richard and Nate remained close — a bond forged over the airwaves and sealed through shared passion and friendship.

Richard Heward (Silent Key) will always be remembered as the heart and original chair of the 76ers. His impact echoes through every QSO, every gathering, and every friendship made on the repeater he helped bring to life.