Recently an old friend and fellow bushwalker Michael Maack passed away. When he joined SUBW in 1983, he was given the nickname “Ted” and this was how he was known since then by many bushwalkers. At that time in SUBW, there were several other members of the club with the name “Michael”, and some were given nicknames to distinguish them. Michael’s nickname was derived from then politician Ted Mack.
When Ted joined the club, he was already a graduate electrical engineer. He had studied at UNSW and was in the workforce. To round out his education he then undertook an Arts degree at Sydney University. He also joined the bushwalking club to round out his recreational life.
Once in the club, he became an active an popular member. He went on a wide range of trips – bushwalking, canyoning, bike trips and ski touring adventures. Many of these trips he organised and led. He also served a term as SUBW president.
On walks and other activities he was always a solid, reliable and sensible person. He had a good sense of humour and was always willing to help others with his wise counsel. Ted was in fact a most generous person. He would never hesitate to lend equipment or tools to others and always shared his good advice. Ted did not make enemies. Only friends.
Ted was a person who deeply believed in service. At high school, he had served his school as school captain. Later in his bushwalking life he served the greater bushwalking community in so many ways. He was very active over many years in the Confederation of Bushwalking Clubs. He served as a delegate to the Confederation not only for SUBW but also later on for Springwood Bushwalking Club when he moved up the Blue Mountains. For the Confederation, he served a term as President. He was also, for many years, the Confederation’s Conservation Officer. Wilderness Rescue, the bushwalker search and rescue section, also benefitted from Ted being their transport officer. This meant being ready anytime to use his 4WD to tow the S&R trailer to call out incidents. Continue reading →
