An operator who provided the Maine multiplier for many participants in the ARRL November Sweepstakes and other operating events has gone silent. Paul T. Obert, K8PO, of Union, Maine, died on October 21. He was 72. An ARRL member, Obert held No. 1 DXCC Honor Roll.

“I’d gotten to know Paul well in the last few years as a guest operator at his Maine station,” said noted DXer and contester Scott Redd, K0DQ, who had operated from K8PO on several occasions. “He was a true gentleman, thoughtful and of high integrity.”

Redd said Obert was a perfectionist who had engineered “a superb station” as well as a gracious, generous, and unassuming person, who “was quick to praise others and recognize their skills.” DXer Fred Laun, K3ZO, called Obert “a contest giant.”

Operating from K8PO, Redd was the first US operator to log more than 5000 contacts in a 48-hour event (2013 CQ WW CW) as a single operator, unassisted entry.

K8PO was among the Maine stations taking part in the 2014 W1AW Centennial portable operations. His extensive antenna system, including a quarter-wave broadcast-style vertical for Top Band, ensured a strong signal from 160 through 10 meters. Obert also was an enthusiastic and accomplished golfer. — Thanks to The Daily DX, CQ-Contest Reflector