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