a sad loss to the ASNSW and the astro Community

h0ughy (David) · #1 15-03-2007, 04:40 PM

I have just received this email, it saddened me to think of the loss

Dear all,

It is with the greatest regret and sadness that I have to inform you of the recent death of Mike Kerr in a car accident. I shall send out more information as it comes to hand.

Mike was an invaluable member of the Society and his talents, good nature and judgement will be sorely missed. There is much more to be said about this person when I have had time to digest the news.

We shall still be going to Wiruna this weekend for the New Moon for those planning to attend, although I think it will be a sombre gathering.

Regards,

Margaret

seeker372011 (Narayan) · #2 15-03-2007, 04:43 PM

that's awful news

xstream (John) · #3 15-03-2007, 04:47 PM

That's terrible news very sad indeed.
Anna and my condolences to his family.

Omaroo (Chris Malikoff) · #4 15-03-2007, 05:08 PM

This is very sad to hear. My thoughts go to his family.

Astroman (Andrew Wall) · #5 15-03-2007, 05:15 PM

I know the name from somewhere. Sad loss indeed.

wavelandscott (Scott) · #6 15-03-2007, 05:30 PM

I got that e-mail too and was going to post it...a loss!

My sympathies go out to the family!

iceman (Mike) · #7 15-03-2007, 08:17 PM

oh my, that's absolutely terrible! I had dinner with him and other ASNSW members just last week!

My thoughts to his family and close friends, and everyone else at the ASNSW.

venus (Lydia) · #8 15-03-2007, 08:38 PM

Thank you David for posting. A very sad loss, a fellow astronomer will be missed, my condolences.

leon · #9 15-03-2007, 08:53 PM

Terrible news, I send my thoughts and prays to his family, and friends, he will truly be missed by all.

Leon

Greg Bryant · #10 15-03-2007, 09:02 PM

Mike Kerr was the Secretary and a past President of the ASNSW.

To many of you who attended the South Pacific Star Party, he was the owner of a 25 inch Dobsonian at Wiruna. In the current issue of Australian Sky & Telescope, where I describe sighting Sirius B for the first time, it was through that very telescope - courtesy of Mike. He was very willing to show people the universe through his telescope.

I am deeply saddened by the news. Mike was a shining light in the amateur community - a fine example of what was great about being a fellow club member or going to star parties.

Rodstar (Rod) · #11 15-03-2007, 09:19 PM

I recall Mike's great generosity of time in letting a crowd of us "hog" his 25" Obsession at SPSP13 on one of the nights.

Mike was a likeable, intelligent bloke, and he was a "do-er" not just a "talker". He contributed a lot to ASNSW and will long be remembered. If you visit the ASNSW website, you will see some of his observing reports from early SPSPs. He truly loved our great sport, and has now gone to the stars.

In situations like these I think of the family the deceased leaves behind. My prayers are with them.

#12 15-03-2007, 10:30 PM

This lose of Mike Kerr greatly saddens me. He was a positive and influence on many members and associates of the amateur community, and for members of the ASNSWI.

I have known Mike through the years, and I can frankly only say very positive things about him.

Mike had a great love for the observation of planetary nebula, something in which he promoted and was so willing to investigate for his own interest and others. I had also corresponded with him so many times on these wonderful objects, and found his consul and knowledge was always very positive and helpful.

In recent months I had been corresponding with him on some of the
T.J.J. See pairs, of which he had been investigating in some detail -
something which he was so passionate about. This was one of his future projects that I was looking forward to hearing his conclusions.

I will want to write some further information on Mike passions for planetaries and the See pairs in the next few days, after I have overcome the real shock of the lose of such a kind and generous man.

bloodhound31 · #13 15-03-2007, 11:00 PM

I pray the Good Lord brings comfort to Mike's loved ones he leaves behind.

Baz.

AlGar · #14 16-03-2007, 12:36 AM

Hi Mike and everyone,

I am an ASNSW member who has been a "silent" participant on IceInSpace for a year now. I will be heading up to Wiruna tomorrow for our monthly new moon observing weekend. I will pass on to Margaret and everyone there the sympathies expressed on the IceInSpace forum. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.

Ric · #15 16-03-2007, 01:00 AM

It is a tragic loss to the astro community. my condolences go out to his family.

davidpretorius · #16 16-03-2007, 10:14 AM

Welcome Alan to our forum.

I did not know Mike, but please pass on my condolences.

astroron (Ron) · #17 16-03-2007, 01:18 PM

I am saddened by the loss of Mike as a Web society, Amastro on line group, as well as iceinspace, and valuable member of the Astronomy Community he will greatly missed.

glenc (Glen) · #18 18-03-2007, 04:43 PM

Mike was a great and gentle man. I enjoyed looking through his scope at the SPSP.

h0ughy (David) · #19 18-03-2007, 05:36 PM

Does anyone know when the funeral will be held and what day?

Glenn Dawes · #20 19-03-2007, 08:00 AM

Yes, this is very sad and I regret not having known him better. I do remember having some great discussions with him over a number of SPSPs. He was a great friend to the ASNSW and I feel for the Ilford set and of course his family.

Quote:

Originally Posted by h0ughy

Does anyone know when the funeral will be held and what day?

Houghy, I believe the funeral is at Leura (in the Blue Mountains) this Wed (21st) at 11am. I don't have any more details but apparently there has been a funeral notice.

Regards

Glenn