In October 2010, the ARRL received word that that it is a beneficiary of the Charles and Iona Mathias Joint Trust. Dr Mathias, W8KGD, became a Silent Key in 2008 at the age of 93; Iona, his wife of 62 years, passed away in June 2010. The ARRL is one of five beneficiaries of the Trust that has an estimated value in excess of $8 million. Each beneficiary is scheduled to receive a 20 percent share of the residual after other distributions are completed. The ARRL first learned of the Trust upon Dr Mathias’ passing in 2008.

Dr Mathias was born in Youngstown, Ohio in 1915. He attended school in Niles, Ohio and graduated from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. After graduating, he served as a medical officer in World War II in Alaska, where he met Iona; they married in 1946. After the war, Dr Mathias practiced medicine in several Ohio communities until 1990 when he retired. One of the highlights of his retirement was a globe-circling adventure that he and Iona enjoyed via a private charter on board the supersonic Concorde.

Iona was a graduate of the University of Iowa Business College and worked with the US Government as a legal secretary before marrying Dr Mathias. She was an active volunteer for Meals on Wheels, the American Red Cross and as a Girl Scout leader.

Dr Mathias joined the ARRL in 1942 and later became a Life Member. He made additional contributions to various programs, beginning with his support of the W1AW renovation campaign in 1988. He also made numerous gifts since then to the Spectrum Defense Fund, W1AW Endowment Fund and the Education & Technology Fund. He became part of the ARRL Diamond Club in 2003.

“The generosity of Dr and Mrs. Mathias is a shining example of how individuals can make a continuing impact on the organizations that influenced their lives,” said ARRL Chief Development Officer Mary Hobart, K1MMH. “The Mathias’ generosity to the ARRL during their lifetime -- and through the Charles and Iona Mathias Joint Trust -- is an example of commitment to the work of the ARRL, even after their passing.”

The $1 million partial distribution from the Charles and Iona Mathias Joint Trust has been added to the ARRL Endowment, as will additional distributions. Hobart explained that the ARRL Endowment is the repository for all estate gifts. The Mathias’ gift will generate earnings each year to help the ARRL achieve its goals on behalf of Amateur Radio.

“Charles and Iona Mathias have left a strong and enduring legacy to ARRL,” Hobart said. “Radio amateurs are encouraged to consider how they might support the ARRL by including the ARRL in their estate plans. For some, a legacy to ARRL as part of a trust or bequest, or as the beneficiary of an insurance policy or 401(k) provides an avenue to giving over and above annual dues and contributions to other ARRL funds.”

Radio amateurs who advise the ARRL that they have included the ARRL in their estate plans will be recognized as members of the ARRL Legacy Circle. Details about the ARRL Endowment and the Legacy Circle are available on the ARRL Web site. For more information on leaving a legacy to ARRL, contact Mary Hobart, K1MMH, Chief Development Officer by phone at 860-594-0397, via e-mail or by mail at 225 Main St, Newington CT 06111.