Count me in as another admirer of Mike, who gave Zone 29 to so many of us, not only on Top Band, but other bands as well.
Mike was also a top notch 160 Meter DXer, living a long way from major population centers, but still able to run up a high country total. Contacts on 160 into places like PY may be routine for those of us in the USA and Europe, but it was a major accomplishment from VK6, and may have required years of effort. In July 1986 I was part of a group to activate Market Reef as OH0MD/OJ0. In the USA we think of July as a high QRN month, but on Market Reef, you really have no darkness, and perhaps only 1 hour per day of TWILIGHT. Be that as it may, it was a real pleasure to give Mike a new one on that operation, and a collective cheer went up in the lighthouse when Mike was logged on 160. Everyone knew who Mike was, and had a favorite story about first Topband VK, or first Zone 29 on a particular band. To give something back to Mike was very special. It was a tribute to his craftiness and dedication to break through a wall of European callers. I can remember working Mike a very long time ago as G3HDA and for decades as VK6HD. Sadly, you just don't replace guys like Mike. RIP, Old Friend. 73 Don K8MFO In a message dated 4/12/2013 8:25:00 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [email protected] writes: Passing of VK6HD. Mike will be greatly missed especially by 160 meter DXers. Kim Lyon VK6TM ( son of VK6LK ) On 12/04/13 09:39, Robin Lyon wrote: It is with great sadness that I inform you that Mike died this morning. As you are aware, I regarded him as a close friend and I shall miss our weekly skeds. For the record, Mike was the top Australian operator on the current DXCC Honor Roll. 73 Robin. All good topband ops know fine whiskey is a daylight beverage. _________________ Topband Reflector All good topband ops know fine whiskey is a daylight beverage. _________________ Topband Reflector
