09/21/2026
Our Kodiak family lost a dear friend. John Emig, W6GC, our Communications Director and Ham Radio Lead for about 10 years, has passed away.
If you ran Kodiak, John was one of the reasons you were safe out there. He kept every aid station connected and every runner accounted for.
John taught our Race Director Susie and our Course Director Harald everything they know about ham radio. He gave Susie her first radio, helped them both get licensed, and brought them along to assist at races like Western States and AC 100, where he had volunteered since the 1980s. He also never stopped laughing at Susie for writing her call sign at the top of her notepad so she wouldn't forget it mid-transmission. (She still does it, John.)
Beyond the trails, John was woven into the Big Bear Valley in so many ways, from Search and Rescue to editing the Big Bear Grizzly.
These photos are just a few of the many years we got to work alongside him. Thank you for everything, John. Rest in peace.
73, W6GC. SK
