Mike Doern (KM6IKE) Now a Silent Key

Dear Radio Operators,

I have been asked by the brother of Mike Doern (KM6IKE) to let you all know that Mike passed away on October 2, and is now a Silent Key.  There will be no services locally for Mike, as his family is abiding by his wishes to have all services and internment in his childhood home town in Upstate New York.  There will be an obituary in the Santa Cruz Sentinel forthcoming.

I really want to thank Peter (KE6RAX) and Roberta (AJ6KN) who visited Mike in the final days of his life when he was in Dominican Hospital.  Roberta was actually with Mike as he passed.   Even though Mike could not respond, she told him all about her upcoming plans to help with radio communication on the Sea Otter Classic, and other ARES activities.

She held the telephone to his ear when his brother David called so that Mike could hear his brother’s voice.    He passed soon after in a relaxed manner.

Mike got his Ham radio license in 2003, and immediately secured his vanity call sign of KM6IKE.  He was active in the Santa Cruz County Amateur Radio Club and served in various capacities, also helping with public service event communication.  He came from a family of nine children.  His parents and two of his siblings precede him in passing, but all of his remaining family reside on the East Coast.

I will miss Mike’s friendly manner, and his standard farewell…

“This is Mike, KM6IKE, to the best of my knowledge.  You take care now.”

Please send good thoughts to Mike and his family.  If you would like to communicate your wishes to his family, you may do so by sending them to me with Subject Title “Mike Doern (KM6IKE-SK)” and I will forward them to his brother, David.  Feel free to share any memories you may have of Mike on this e-mail reflector, or “reply to sender” if intended only for me.

73,

Becky

KI6TKB