John Maeser Mabey, W7CWK

If you are reading this obituary, you should know that the Cancer won the war and I lost.  I was the eldest of five children born to Beatrice Call and David Maeser Mabey. I was the first of 5 children, my sister Marco, and my brothers Steve, Karl and Gordon.
At the age of 7, I became interested in electronics. My Dad encouraged this interest and my career path was determined.  Dad had a radio repair business, and he helped me build my first crystal set radio. I also got my first ham radio license in high school where I took my first radio classes. I enrolled at the Radio Institute in SLC, where I became "Technician" class and my call sign changed to W7CWK. During this period in my life I was also enlisted and honored to serve my country for a number of years in the nation's first Special Forces Reserve Unit prior to my decades of service as a government contractor. After graduation from the institute I went to work for Sperry Utah Engineering Laboratory.  I married Mariam Jean O'Donnell in Feb. 1959. We had 3 children, Michael, Jeffrey, and Suzanne.  Mariam passed away in June of 1970.  I then married Kathleen Pearson in 1973, she has been a wonderful wife to me, and mother to our children.
To my 3 children, I wish I could express my love and appreciation for all your help.  I would also like to thank all my friends and associates for their support.  Special thanks to all my Ham radio friends, 73.
Throughout his 42 year career, John worked in the fascinating and changing world of "High Speed Communications", learning and developing new technologies.  One of his proudest accomplishments was the U2 program, spanning 30 years.  In 2000, just after his recent retirement, John was contacted by the Secret Service, they asked him to be involved in coordinating with the FBI, Military and local Law Enforcement for the 2002 Winter Olympic Security.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, where a viewing will be held Monday evening from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. and Tuesday morning 9:45-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment-Bountiful City Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.russonmortuary.com
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Huntsman Cancer Institute.