Vale – Udo Kaschner (1 June 1947 – 18 November 2025)

APLA is saddened to share the passing of long-time prospector, mentor and friend Udo Kaschner, who passed away on 18 November 2025 after a long illness.

For more than 15 years, Udo was central to the Gold Prospecting WA seminars run by Bill, Sue, Kurk, Sandra and Jen. Together they taught hundreds of people how to find gold through seminars, training, books, talks and their website. Around 700 prospectors attended their well-known three-day courses in Cue, with the last seminar held in 2021.

A Generous Teacher and Bushman

Udo was widely known for his generosity, honesty and willingness to share his knowledge. Many prospectors spent time with him on his Cue mining lease, learning from his experience, enjoying his famous BBQs and potato salad, and listening to stories of the bush with his brother Michael.

He had a rare habit in the detecting world: if he was on the gold and you weren’t, he’d suddenly get a “sore back” and insist you detect the patch he was working. Nothing made him happier than seeing others find their first nuggets.

Service to Community

Beyond prospecting, Udo contributed deeply to the local community. In 2019 he received the St John Award for Outstanding Service, presented by Hon Kim Beazley.

A Lifelong Friendship

Bill, who knew Udo since primary school, reunited with him in Cue while researching gold prospecting after retirement. Udo’s vast knowledge, stories, and generosity became the backbone of the training they later shared with prospectors across WA.

A Lasting Legacy

Udo leaves behind a legacy of openness, community spirit and a lifetime of helping others find gold—literally and figuratively. He will be greatly missed by Sue, Bill, the wider prospecting community, and the many people whose journeys he influenced.

Funeral details will be shared when available.

As Udo would say:
“Que sera – let it develop.”
…and of course,
“If your name’s on it, you’ll find it.”