Chris Malikoff (aka Omaroo here on IIS) has passed away

[gary]

Last night I heard the sad news from Petra (SpaceZebra) that Chris Malikoff (Omaroo) has passed away.

Chris had been a very active amateur astronomer and in more recent years relocated to Tasmania and had bought a yacht, Bone Idyll, that he lived upon with his much loved pug.

I am sure many here had interacted with Chris or had the privilege of meeting him at events such as the IceInSpace Astrocamp at Lostock or at the Border Stargaze.

Chris had many amazing talents and skills, including as a photographer. I followed with great interest his posts on Facebook as he ventured around Tasmania in an RV before buying his yacht. His passion for outfitting the yacht with things such as state-of-the-art radio gear was impressive to witness. He took great pride in custom 3D printing various panels and parts for the boat. I gather others in the dock at Hobart had got wind of of this and soon he was making parts for other boats, including a part for a ship used on the Australian Antarctic Expedition.

Chris's father had worked for IBM back in the days of the famed IBM 360 mainframe computer and he and I chatted about that history a little.

I am still in shock with the news that Chris is no longer with us and I am sure many of you will be too.

Our deepest condolences to Chris's family and friends.

Gary Kopff
Mount Kuring-Gai NSW

[Nikolas]

I can't say I knew Chris or read much of his work on here but any passing is a sad one. My condolences to all who knew him and his family.

[RB]

So sad to hear this.

My deepest condolences to Chris' family.

Andrew (RB)

[strongmanmike]

Yes, very sad news, especially for those who were close to Chris, family and friends and to whom I extend my sincere condolences, losing those dear to you is a difficult experience. Back in 2007, I spent some time with Chris at the Ice in Space Astro Camp including on top of a ridge near Lostock, to watch the spectacle that was Comet McNaught and for those newer on this forum, back in 2009, Chris put together a beautifully professional coffee table book to show case the work of many Ice in Space imagers, this was my bit (https://pbase.com/strongmanmike2002/image/117443105/original).

RIP Chris

Mike

[Shawn]

Never new the man, but recognize the screen name, RIP Chris ..

[TrevorW]

I had some dealing online with Chris over the years as a member of IIS sorry to hear this :)

[JA]

Rest In Peace

[Robh]

Chris Malikoff
Macarthur Astronomical Society President 2012-2015
RIP

[xstream]

Rest in peace Chris.
It was a pleasure to chat with you on and off in what we both considered our new home.
Your enthusiasm for life will be missed.

[GTB_an_Owl]

sad news, indeed

geoff

[alan meehan]

So sad I have not seen Chris for some years now, but knew him quite well from the early days of iceinspace camps so, so sad rest in peace my friend

[dugnsuz]

Awful news - Vale Chris :-(

[astronobob]

Sad to hear, an inspiration to many an astro-imager and photoger , ,
Briefly met this good man, not sure if was at duckadang or 2013 Cairns Solar Eclipse, but certainly a great loss to his family and fellow friends alike, ,
Rip Chris

[wavelandscott]

I appreciate your sharing this sad news…

[Rainmaker]

Sad to read that Chris has passed away, as a fellow photographer, Olympus camera fan and one time Monaro resident, he was incredibly talented and generous with his advice… Rest In Peace Chris :hi:

Ross Bridge by Chris:

[AstroViking]

RIP, Chris.

[Crater101]

Sad to hear. RIP.

[marc4darkskies]

Sad news indeed. Sincere condolences to his family and close friends. 😞

[OzEclipse]

Very sad to hear. I never met him in person but interacted with him on IIS here when he was more active 10-12 years ago.

Sincere condolences to Petra and his family.

Joe

[erick]

That's sad to hear. Thank you for passing on the news Gary. I met Chris a few times at camps and the MAS dark sky site as well as having contact through IIS. He was always so welcoming and supportive. His positive attitude will be missed. Eric

[spacezebra]

Hi all

I’m reaching out to anyone who knows if there has been arrangements for Chris, I’m struggling to find any contacts and also the welfare of beloved pug. If anyone can help please message me.

Cheers Petra