Frank L. Guth, W9BCC, was one of the founding members of the Rib Mountain Repeater Association and one of the individuals whose vision and dedication helped establish organized amateur radio in Central Wisconsin. Throughout his life, he exemplified the spirit of Amateur Radio through service, leadership, technical knowledge, and a willingness to help others.

As a charter member of RMRA, Frank played an important role during the Association’s formative years. At a time when repeater systems were still relatively new, he worked alongside fellow members to build an organization dedicated to providing dependable communications, encouraging technical experimentation, and promoting fellowship among amateur radio operators.

Frank served as RMRA’s License Trustee for sixteen years, the longest continuous tenure in the Association’s history. During those years, he provided steady guidance while ensuring that the club’s repeater systems continued serving amateur radio operators throughout Central Wisconsin. His leadership helped establish the strong foundation upon which today’s RMRA continues to build.

Those who knew Frank remembered him as a gentleman whose quiet leadership earned the respect of everyone around him. He believed amateur radio was more than equipment and antennas—it was about public service, friendship, mentoring new operators, and strengthening the amateur radio community.

Following Frank’s passing in 1998, the members of the Rib Mountain Repeater Association chose to preserve his legacy in a lasting way by continuing to use W9BCC as the Association’s official club callsign. Every identification transmitted by the club today serves as a tribute to the man whose commitment helped shape RMRA for future generations.

Today, although technology has evolved from crystal-controlled radios and tube equipment to digital networks, AllStar linking, internet-connected repeaters, and modern emergency communications, the values Frank championed remain unchanged. His legacy lives on through every volunteer who gives their time, every member who mentors a new amateur, every emergency communication provided to the community, and every transmission made under the callsign W9BCC.

More than a quarter century after his passing, Frank’s influence continues to be heard across the airwaves of Central Wisconsin.

“The W9BCC callsign is more than a club identifier—it is a reminder of the people whose dedication built the Rib Mountain Repeater Association and whose legacy continues with every transmission.  “