Vale Michael J. Owen VK3KI

It is with deep sadness that we report the sudden and unexpected passing of WIA President, and IARU Region 3 Chairman, Michael Owen VK3KI after suffering a medical condition at his home on the afternoon of Saturday the 22nd of September.

Michael was immensely influential in shaping the hobby of Amateur Radio since the 1960s both in this country and internationally. He will be very sadly missed by a great number of people.

Michael expertly led the WIA through the progression from a Federal structure with State Divisions, to an efficient national organisation with affiliated local clubs. This occurred in 2004.

He championed and guided the introduction of the Foundation Licence class in Australia, a move which bolstered the numbers of Australian radio amateurs while other countries numbers were declining.

Amateur radio societies around the world have benefited from Michael’s enthusiasm and experience. Michael was passionately involved since his early days which trace back to the 1960s and amongst many other appointments, held the position of IARU Vice President for 10 years.

He participated in many IARU committees and was a member of the IARU Observer Team at a number of World Radiocommunications Conferences, in particular WRC03, where he was responsible for Article 25.

Through his chairmanship of the IARU Regional 3 he was preparing for and looking forward to the next regional meeting in Ho Chi Minh City, in November.

Through Michael, the WIA became highly regarded by government agencies and the ACMA for its professionalism and efficiency, especially in relation to the WIA examination and call sign management service.

Highly respected by all who knew and worked with him, both in his professional career as a lawyer and for his work with Amateur Radio, Michael will be very sadly missed.

Michael’s shoes will be very difficult to fill.

Michael is survived by his wife Nan, who accompanied Michael on many Amateur radio occasions, most recently at the WIA National Convention in Mildura, and his two daughters. Our deep condolences go the Michael’s family and friends.

A Funeral is to be held 10:30am this Friday the 28th of September at St Andrews Anglican Church Corner of New & Church Streets Brighton. You are invited to join in for light refreshments being served in the hall next to the Church at the conclusion of the service. The WIA invites you to join with us in a celebration of the life of Michael Owen which is to be held at at Milanos Tavern, 4 The Esplanade Brighton commencing at 1:00pm. A PDF invitation is available to download under the heading 'Related Files' at the bottom of this news release.

A number of organisations and Radio Societies have posted news and media releases as a tribute to Michael, the following links will guide you to those pages.

ACMA - Link

ARRL - Link

RSGB - Link

ARV - Link

EMDRC - Link

IARU-R1 - Link

IARU-R2 - Link

If you would like to send a message of condolence please email the message to condolence@wia.org.au

Phil Wait VK2ASD has assumed the role of WIA President, Phil has been Director of the WIA for 9 years and was appointed WIA Vice President in 2010.

Related Files

Invitiation - Michael J. Owen - Life Celebration at Milanos Tavern
Invitation.pdf

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