I met Dieter Schliemann, KX4Y, through Amateur Radio in the early to mid-90’s. I cannot remember when it was but it has seemed like a lifetime. We had many common interests to share. Those of you who knew Dieter are aware of his gentle kind hearted nature and his willingness to help in any way he could. He was always saying if you want to do this or want to do that, I will help you. Dieter was a wonderful friend and I am blessed our paths crossed in this life.

Just a month ago I visited with Dieter and his wife at their home in Scottsboro and performed some work on his club’s mountaintop APRS digipeater and repeater power controller to help get it back in operation. It was so good to see how far he had come on his road to recovery in contrast to were he was last year. He was able to walk up and down the stairs to his station which was quite impressive with only one lung to work with after losing the other last year. He was also able to walk outside to his barn with me to gather some equipment and talk for a period of time standing outside. Just a few short weeks after my visit with him things took a turn in the wrong direction and then he received the news of his remaining time. It was too quick, for such a wonderful human being.

The news of his passing is heartbreaking and I am saddened that I am out of the country and could not get a flight plan to return home in time for the funeral today.

There are not many people like Dieter. His kind, caring, compassionate demeanor put him in a unique league of people that leave their footprints in your memory forever. He was always ready to help with the AMSAT booth at the Huntsville Hamfest and others in the area. When my daughter was born a couple of years ago, Dieter stepped right up to the plate to handle the booth at the Huntsville Hamfest. When Field Day came around Dieter was always ready to help in any way he could even though he lived out of town. He had a friendly gentle way of getting you motivated and excited about any idea. He was always willing to maintain our Satellite Packet Gateway many years ago when I was out of town traveling on business. He was always very supportive in our area Packet and APRS networks over the years. Come to think of it, he was involved in too many different activities to mention and in each area he was a great mentor, educator, and motivator.

There are big holes to fill in his absence, but I know he has influenced many with his talent, skills, and good nature and our hobby has benefited. His spirit will be with us for a lifetime.

Until we meet again my friend,

Tim Cunningham – N8DEU Huntsville, Alabama

---- "Frank H. Bauer" ka3hdo@comcast.net wrote:

All,

It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Dieter Schliemann, KX4Y.

Those that knew Dieter recognized that he was a "class act"---a great gentleman and colleague who will be sorely missed by all. Dieter was instrumental in leading and supporting many key activities in AMSAT and on the ARISS program.

For ARISS, Dieter led the school contact IRLP/Echolink initiative. Through this amateur radio VOIP system, Dieter and his team substantially extended our reach of the school contacts. And through his efforts, tens of thousands of school students and ham radio operators, world-wide, could listen to other school contacts, enhancing education and giving all a better understanding of what it is like to live and work on ISS. Dieter's diplomacy, teambuilding skills and attention to the details were impeccable and were well respected within the team. He rose to the challenge when I asked him to lead the IRLP/Echolink team. At the time, there were strong, divergent opinions on the use of IRLP and Echolink on ARISS. He singlehandedly developed a cohesive team that is producing great results and are enjoying working together.

Over the past couple of years, Dieter fought a long and courageous battle with Cancer. A month ago, all of us thought he was on the road to recovery. Unfortunately, that did not come to pass. Through it all, Dieter remained the gentle, caring person that we all have grown to love. And during his illness, he remained dedicated to his AMSAT and ARISS causes and responsibilities. When he received the surprising news from the doctors that he had only two weeks to live and despite being weak from a long hospitalization, Dieter got on the e-mail and worked a transition plan to ensure the IRLP/Echolink capabilities on ARISS continues. What a great, compassionate, loving human being!

I first met Dieter behind the AMSAT Booth at Dayton, where he was one of the mainstay individuals supporting AMSAT efforts at the Hamvention. Reflecting on Dieter's support to AMSAT, AMSAT Board Member Gould Smith, WA4SXM, stated, "Two years ago Dieter told me that the only reason he came to Dayton was to work in the AMSAT booth and to talk with people about AMSAT". And he supported AMSAT in many other ways, including his efforts as an Area Coordinator, where he mentored a countless number of satellite enthusiasts. We are eternally grateful for all Dieter has done for AMSAT and the ARISS program. And will miss him dearly.

On behalf of the ARISS and AMSAT teams, we wish to express our deepest sympathy to the Schliemann family and friends. Especially his wife Tina and his good friend Ron Arsenault, N1NYR, who helped Dieter and the Schliemann family throughout Dieter's long illness.

Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO AMSAT-NA V.P. for Human Spaceflight Programs ARISS International Chairman _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB@amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb