Vale Richard VK2HRM

It is with great sadness that we must note the recent passing of Richard Mackay VK2HRM. Richard’s funeral was held last Friday, May 13 at Adaminaby.

Richard was a highly qualified automotive engineer working in Canberra following his trade in the industry. He was very mechanically proficient and interested in all to do with motor vehicles.

He initially became attracted to CB radio, and later studied for and passed his Amateur Radio licence qualification. Richard was a founding member of the Snowy Mountains Amateur Radio Club back in the early 2000s and acted as President for a couple of years early in the history of the Club.

Richard built the repeater system, VK2RSM at the Table Top and Queen Gallery sites near Dry Plain south of Cooma, including the installation of the antenna tower, antennas, and the facility that housed the repeater systems. This system operated for many years as the main feature of the SMARC offering 2 Metre Amateur Radio coverage on the Monaro.

At the height of his involvement, the VK2RSM repeater systems operated on 70cms, 2M, and 6 metres with links to repeaters installed in Jindabyne and Nimmitabel.

Unfortunately, Richard’s health deteriorated in recent years, reducing his ability to be as active as he would have wished. He did however continue to be involved and interested in the activities of the Club as well as 2MNO Community Radio and the social side of the Club’s activity.

Richard will be greatly missed as a friend and a great mate.

Vale Richard Mackay VK2HRM.

Bill Steptoe VK2ZZF.