George Francis Russel Stonier-Hamnett, 68, station manager at KNAU from 1983 to 1996, died May 11, 2006, in Naples, Fla.
Born May 12, 1937, to the Rev. Harry Stonier-Hamnett and Viva Anna Cox in Canada, Mr. Stonier-Hamnett received his ham radio license in 1952. He studied broadcasting at San Diego State University and had a 46-year broadcasting career that included working in the U.S. Coast Guard.
As KNAU station manager, Mr. Stonier-Hamnett transformed the 16-watt college studio into a 100,000-watt, listener-supporter public radio station. He enjoyed recording Flagstaff Symphony concerts and served on the board for the Abused Women Shelter in Flagstaff and as parish administrator for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Naples.
“Russ was dedicated to radio his whole life,” said Dave Riek, KNAU station manager at KAWC in Yuma. “He brought that love of broadcasting to work with him at KNAU every day.”
Mr. Stonier-Hamnett is survived by his wife, Donna; sons Toby Hamnett, Tim Hamnett and Jeremy Chenault; daughter Tiffany Chenault; granddaughter Kyli; his sister, H. Katherine Litchfield, and niece Katherine L. Litchfield.
Services will be 11 a.m. on May 20 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3901 Davis Blvd. in Naples, FL 34104. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Naples, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105.