In Memoriam – Ventura County ACS/ARES Communications

Zak Cohen-N6PK–A Life of Service, Guidance, and Community

Our community has lost a pillar of strength and a source of steady guidance.

ZACHARY “Zak” COHEN, known on the air as N6PK, passed away on January 27, 2026, surrounded by family. His departure leaves a profound emptiness in the Amateur Radio world and in the hearts of all who knew him.

Zak, licensed since 1961 while in the Navy, was more than just a skilled operator; he was a builder of communities. Over the years, he dedicated countless hours to supporting local emergency communications efforts, mentoring new operators, strengthening nets, and helping maintain the continuity and resilience of our region’s volunteer services.

N6PK-SK End of Watch

An “End of Watch Call” was transmitted in Zak’s honor on the Tuesday, January 3rd ACS/ARES County Net. This is a solemn, time-honored tradition in which a senior officer transmits a final, symbolic radio call to honor a member of the emergency communications community who has passed away.

Steve Gillis-KZ6H-SK

With sadness we report Steve Gillis-KZ6H passed away at the age of 79 on August 28th.

Steve is survived by his wife Gail and two children, Andrew and Kristin. He has four grandchildren. He served in the Navy for four years and then went to college earning a BSEE from UC Davis and an MBA from Stanford. He worked for GE Medical Group and was involved with the Ventura Coast Imaging Group. He also was involved with other companies and started a staffing company in Camarillo.

Steve earned his ham license as a teenager and was an active contester for several years. He joined Amateur Radio Emergency Service in 2016 and then Auxiliary Communications Service in 2017. He was a valued net controller for several years at the East County Sheriff’s Station Emergency Operating Center and was assigned to other radio rooms for Operational Readiness Tests.

Steve became a member of the Conejo Valley Amateur Radio Club in 2015 and was the founder of the CVARC MORSE Group. The MORSE Group is a friendly “club within the club” dedicated to promoting interest in CW and encouraging hams to learn and build their skills in sending Morse code. His group has grown to over 30 members and thrives today with monthly gatherings and a weekly “Friendly Slow-Code CW Roundtable.”

No public memorials are planned. Steve will be missed by the amateur radio community.

Ted Lansing-W6TEL, SK

Ted Lansing-W6TEL, SK was remembered in a moving “End of Watch” ceremony during the July 14, 2020 ACS County net:

Ted Lansing “End of Watch” from VC-ACS by Bill Boyd.

Ted became ham in 2008. His interest in emergency communication and CERT activities led him to become a member of the Ventura County Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS) and he served at the Emergency Coordinator (EC) for Area 3 (Camarillo-Somis).