User:Overheu65/sandbox

Emeritus Professor Dr. Donald Leo Overheu. Australian Computing Pioneer.''' Born 2 October 1925. Died 16 October 2000.

Dr Donald Overheu was born in Donybook, Western Australia. He attended high school in Bunbury (boarding in his senior years). Don attended the University of Western Australia (UWA) with support from his grandfather (Canon Edward Clairs). His lodged at St George's College, complimenting his academic studies with a keen interest in rowing. Don graduated from UWA in Physics/ Mathematics.

Don's first job was at the Watheroo Magnetic Observatory, north of Moora, WA. Although considered at the time to be an American Spy base, it was an establishment owned by the Carnegie Institute, Washington, America, working in collaboration with Australia studying the Earth's Magnetism. Don married in 1948 to a local girl from the Moora District.

Travelled overseas, London & joining a team building one of Britain's first automated computers (Mosaic and then the Elliot 403). In the mid 50's took a position at the Weapons Research Establishment, SA working on post war decoding machines (WREDAC). Awarded a PhD in Systems Analysis in the early 60's from UQ & appointed Director of the Computing Centre at UQ. One of three Founding Members of the Australian Computer Society, and the sub branches in SA, QLD and ACT. Became First Assistant Secretary for the Dept. of Defence (during Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War). Moved into academia in the 70's at Australian National University, then the Canberra College of Advanced Education becoming Head of Information Sciences & Engineering at the University of Canberra. Appointed Pro Vice Chancellor of UC early 90's. Retired late 90's, Emeritus Professor, continued to supervise PhD students. An acknowledged pioneer of Australian Computing Science. Learned to sail when he was 51, built his own trailable Yacht in his 70's. Made furniture over his lifetime and was always open to learning new things.