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In Memoriam: Wayne Vincent Black (1937-2011)

Wayne Vincent Black, a partner at Keller and Heckman from 1964-2007, passed away at his home in Dewey Beach, Delaware on November 9, 2011. He was 74 years old.

Mr. Black graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration in 1959. He was commissioned 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army following his graduation. Mr. Black joined Keller and Heckman before receiving his law degree from George Washington University Law School in 1964.

Mr. Black was the pre-eminent telecom attorney on wireless communications matters for all segments of the energy industry. He served as General Counsel to the Energy Telecommunications and Electric Association (ENTELEC) for more than 30 years and also represented the Telecommunications Committee of the American Petroleum Institute (API) before the Federal Communications Commission for decades. Some of the country's largest corporations as well as emerging companies relied on his counsel and advice. He was widely respected by his clients and peers –as well as the FCC – for his integrity and his effective advocacy. In his honor, ENTELEC created the Wayne V. Black Scholarship upon his retirement in 2007, which is presented annually to a deserving student selected by ENTELEC.

Mr. Black was an avid biker, swimmer and runner, and competed successfully in numerous Ironman Triathlon competitions across the globe, including the International Championship Ironman in Hawaii in 2004. He will be deeply missed by his colleagues at Keller and Heckman, his friends and his family, including his wife of 46 years, Ilze, their three children and three grandchildren.