Edward Kirk Tipler was born October 23, 1950 in Port Angeles, Washington. Ed made his journey to heaven on July 12, 2026 after battling brain cancer, WI6RE signed off.

Ed was adopted at birth by Charles and Wanda Tipler of Palouse, Washington, and they were wonderful parents. Ed was raised a rural farm in Palouse, Washington raising cattle, wheat, and barley. He was in the 4-H Club and cared for many animals to show. His interest in electronics started at an early age, as he took the Novice exam at age 14 and became a HAM, a lifelong interest for him. He was a Boy Scout and progressed to Eagle Scout rank at age 14. As a teenager, he had his own TV repair business and cared for many customers.

Ed graduated from high school in 1969, and then traveled to Israel. He graduated from the University of Idaho in 1974 with a BSEE. He was hired by NAWS at China Lake in 1974 and retired in 2017. Ed was also a licensed Professional Engineer.

Ed built a building up at El Paso Peak to supply HAM radio service to Ridgecrest and later extended it to serve Tortoise Communications customers and the community with broadcasting capability including radio stations, 2-way radio service for businesses, and school districts. He climbed the tall towers at his communications site to mount many antennas.

Ed married Jeanne in 1988 and helped raise Jimmy, Daniel, and Steven. “He said we took our 2 nickels, put them together and made a life.” He was a faithful, caring husband, and dad. He was very supportive and dearly loved Jeanne. Ed and Jeanne worked together at the side-line business Tortoise Communications providing pager service and radio communications. We did construction including building his own workshop, installing tracker mount solar panels with Jimmy’s help, painting, camping, supporting Immanuel Christian School, and attended church together. Ed was an avid supporter of many ministries. Ed was very patriotic and loved God and this country.

Ed was a trusted friend, had a huge giving heart that helped many, had a great sense of humor, and he is missed tremendously.

Ed is survived by his wife Jeanne, sons, Jimmy and Steven Southworth of Ridgecrest.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, son Daniel Southworth, and daughter-in-law Stephanie Southworth.

Thank you to the HAM Community for their friendship and encouragement. Special thanks to the Armogida family for the continued love, support, and meals.

The memorial service is Saturday August 1, 2026, 10:30am, at Holland and Lyons Chapel, 216 S. Norma St, Ridgecrest, CA.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Immanuel Christian School in Ed’s memory.