Our dear friend and colleague Michael Van de Veer passed away on December 19, 2006 in Honolulu, Hawaii. In Michael's honor, the Kekahu Foundation Board established an "Out of the Box Fund" that raised the money needed for KKCR to expand its existing facility to include and support a local news studio. KKCR is in process of assembling this news studio which, when complete, will provide a forum for free speech and help give a voice to the voiceless - a goal which Michael worked so hard to preserve.
Michael Van De Veer of Hanalei died Dec. 19, 2006, at the age of 62.
Born in Alabama during the era of racial segregation and prejudice, he dedicated his life to ending racism and to help build a just and compassionate society. He battled to the end to provide equal rights and justice for all.
A citizen of the world, he was an internationally published freelance journalist. He served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Liberia, Africa, and traveled extensively throughout the world. Most recently he worked with Lions Club International to provide medical equipment for vision care in Nepal. He also served as an advisor to SETU Nepal, a nonprofit organization providing transitional housing for women and children displaced by war.
He served on the Board of the Kekahu Foundation and hosted a musical/discussion show called “Out of the Box: An Answer to the New World Order” on KKCR, Kauai Community Radio.
He is survived by his wife Catherine “Wicki” Van De Veer of Hanalei; son Malcolm X Blake Van De Veer of Maui; Malcolm’s mother Cheryl; brother John Van De Veer; and niece Roxanna and nephew Logan of Santa Cruz, Calif.
At Michael’s request, no service will be held. In his honor an “Out of the Box” fund is being created which will enable KKCR to expand its existing facility to include and support a local news studio to provide a forum for free speech and give a voice to the voiceless Michael worked so hard to preserve.
Donations may be made to the KKCR “Out of the Box” Fund, P.O. Box 825 Hanalei HI 96714 (www.kkcr.org). Arrangements were handled by Moanalua Mortuary.
