[amsat-bb] Memories of Dieter, KX4Y - SK

[Keith Pugh]

My memories of Dieter started during the AO-10 and AO-13 "Heydays."  Dieter
was living in Fort Worth at the time and working at the Comanche Peak
Nuclear Plant near here.  He was a regular on the "birds," our Metroplex
AMSAT Net, and the Sunday afternoon 20 Meter AMSAT Net.  He was a regular
communications volunteer at the Soviet Space Exhibit in Fort Worth in 1991.
Over the years, he was a regular member of the staff at the AMSAT Booth in
Dayton.  He handled all duties, but in particular, software assistance.
Since he was a native German speaker, he frequently did translations for our
German speaking visitors and provided valuable assistance with the
development and distribution of SatPC32.  Dieter assisted the author of
SatPC32, Eric Eichmann, DK1TB, with problem solving and translation.  Of
course he attended many of the annual AMSAT Space Symposiums all over the
country.

Probably my favorite memory involved many others and Dieter's first visit to
the AMSAT-UK Colloquium in 2004.  Dieter and I had been discussing this on
the 20 Meter AMSAT Net for some time and decided to meet in Edinburgh,
Scotland, for a few days prior to the Colloquium.  Dieter had been having
regular QSOs with Ricky, GM1PLY, via IRLP, in Edinburgh, and I had never
been to Scotland.  Dieter and Ricky worked out the details.  Ricky took us
to a meeting of the Cockenzie & Port Seaton ARC to meet "the gang" and we
had a very enjoyable evening along with continued communications since then.
We then rode the "Flying Scotsman" train to London and on to the AMSAT-UK
Colloquium.  At the conclusion of the meeting, we went our separate ways;
Dieter, on to Germany for a family visit, and me back to the US.  Dieter
also provided me with travel suggestions for a visit I made to South Africa
on another trip.    

Dieter was an excellent example of the ideal contributor to our marvelous
hobby.  He constantly provided positive ideas and assistance for every phase
of the AMSAT and ARISS efforts.  Never complaining and always jumping in and
doing what he suggested - not saying "why don't you do this."  He will be
truly missed by everyone and deserves a special place in Amateur Radio
Heaven.

73 - Keith, W5IU