[TCARC-NTX] FW: [Tower-pro] another death

[Paul Finch]

Just thought everyone needs to read this with all the tower projects going
on, be careful out there folks!!!

Paul


NEWINGTON, CT, Jun 17, 2003--Well-known contester and DXer Steve
Miller, N8SM (ex-WD8IXE), of Prosper, Texas, died June 15 as a result
of a fall while working on his Amateur Radio tower. He was 38. An
ARRL member, Miller had extensive experience in tower work and
antenna installation. With the assistance of several other hams,
Miller had erected a 136-foot tower on his property and installed
several antennas as part of his overall effort to build a competitive
contesting station. Details of the mishap that claimed his life were
not available.

ARRL antenna guru Dean Straw, N6BV--who had corresponded with Miller
on several topics--was among those expressing shock and sadness at
his death. "Steve was always most responsive, and he always had the
most intelligent comments and questions concerning whatever technical
topic we were discussing," said Straw. "I will miss his innate,
contagious enthusiasm." Straw said that he and Miller shared an
interest in computer modeling and terrain assessment, and that Miller
was a beta tester for antenna software that will be included this
fall in the latest edition of The ARRL Antenna Book.

First licensed as WD8IXE in 1977 at the age of 12, Miller--an Ohio
native--enjoyed contesting and DXing. He was routinely active during
the CW weekends of the CQ World Wide, ARRL International DX and ARRL
November Sweepstakes events. He also operated as J68AG from St Lucia
in the Caribbean and participated in a few DXpeditions, including
several stints as a member of the J6DX team in the 1980s and 1990s.
He was an ARRL DXCC Honor Roll member, with 332 entities confirmed
(mixed).

In addition to ARRL, Miller belonged to the North Texas Contest Club
and 10-10 International. In addition to ham radio, he enjoyed playing
jazz saxophone.

Miller worked for Texas Instruments as part of its broadband wireless
access group in Dallas. He'd previously held positions with Raytheon
and with Mission Research Corporation. He held a master's degree from
Ohio State University.

Survivors include his wife, Radhicar, and their young daughter,
Elise. A memorial service is set for Thursday, June 19, 2 PM, at
Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 8520 Main Street, Frisco,
Texas. Visitation is Wednesday, June 18, 7-9 PM.