Long-term active Member and Honorary Life Member Otto Mueller passed away peacefully on March 17, 2025, at the age of 95.

Otto Mueller(left) with Gordon Elliott (right)
Image by Nadia Elliott

Otto arrived in Perth from Germany with his young family in May 1971, and within a year, he and his late wife Anne were WA Naturalists’ Club members.  He contributed significantly to the Club, including involvement in the 1974 Tomato Lake Salvinia weedathon with his wife and young children (by then also members) and hosting Wildlife Show committee meetings.  Later, he was Club President (1981 and 1982) and Club Vice President (1983 and 1984).  His other activities included the building and caretaking of the Club’s Yunderup Nature Observatory and involvement in various biological surveys, such as at Wongan Hills and the Upper Murray Valley Project.

Many will have fond memories of his leadership on excursions. For many years, he was an A-class bird bander. Later, his interests swung towards insects, even discovering a new bee species named in his honour. In his words, he and Anne have done their part.

A Celebration of his well-lived life will take place in a few months. Details will follow, and all are welcome. RIP, Otto.