https://adrenalinesportsmedia.com/2018/04/mike-voigt-a-tribute-to-a-great-industry-leader/
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Heart-felt condolences and tributes came pouring in from competition shooters, top industry leaders, and friends shortly after Mike Voigt—former USPSA President and industry leader—passed away on March 24, 2018 in Corona, California. He was 59. The world lost a selfless and giving person who enriched the lives of so many with his leadership, elite firearms instruction and product innovations.
The shooting community took to social media. Kim Schioldan said, “I left what I knew and I came here with no friends but I found you. You taught me about life, friendships, politics, trigger jobs and carburetor cleaners. I feel blessed that you allowed me into your life. We all know how amazing and inspiring you have always been and we strive to try to be a fraction of you.”
Mike Voigt at the 2017 USPSA Rock Island/Armscor
MultiGun Nationals
2017 Handgun World Shoot XVIII
Senior Open Team Silver Medalists
L to R: Mike Voigt, Steve Thomas, Kerry Pearson, Leighton Oosthuisen
An Industry Leader and Multigun Shooter
Some of Mike’s achievements include being a 13-time USPSA MultiGun National Champion and six-time IPSC World Shoot Team Gold Medalist. He also competed as a strong member of Team Hornady and Team Safariland. Mike won multiple world and national titles in all disciplines of handgun, multigun, shotgun, and rifle competitions—and has been featured on NBC Sports, 3 Gun Nation television series, the Sportsman’s and Outdoor Channel, Pursuit and Versus. His favorite match was USPSA MultiGun Nationals.
Mike was an influential leader of the United States Practical Shooting Association serving as president from 2000 to 2012. His efforts resulted in a surge in USPSA membership, an increased growth in matches, and an increased volume of range officer certifications. He was a highly recognizable ambassador, shooter and administrator to the international shooting sports community having written and implemented several IPSC rules widely used today.
An Innovator
Employed full-time with Surefire for over twelve years, Mike was instrumental working in designing and testing numerous suppressor products used worldwide. “He was heavily involved with Surefire weapons development, muzzle breaks, flash hiders, and warcomps,” said Barry Dueck, Surefire Vice President of Suppressors and Weapons. “Mike was not just a co-worker, he was one of my best friends and will be greatly missed by the Surefire family.”
As a member of Team Safariland, Mike served as an extension of Safariland’s R&D Department, and helped develop the famous Safariland ELS System that is used worldwide in 3gun competitions, military and the law enforcement market. He was also one of the innovators behind another successful product, the Safariland Shotgun Caddy System.
Scott Carnahan, the Safariland Vice President, General Manager and Team Safariland Manager, said, “I’ve known Mike for 30 years. On the range, Mike was a talented coach, loving friend, and provided honest feedback to shooters. He had a big heart and loved to joke around. Mike was willing to help friends with shooting, gunsmithing, and just about anything.”
Safariland Staff
Back Row: Bobby McGee, Kippi Leatham, Rob Leatham, Maggie Reese Voigt, Mike Voigt
Front Row: Scott Carnahan
(Photo by Safariland)
Firearms Instructor to Military and Law Enforcement
Mike kept a low profile and provided extensive firearms instruction to the special forces community and SWAT—and specialized in long range sniper shooting and training. His daughter, Sarah Voigt-Campbell shared on social media, “His training and expertise is credited by many special forces groups as saving their lives and allowing them to return safely to their families. My father is a loss to not only my life but to many people for many reasons.”
Before he pursued a professional career in the firearms industry, his love for shooting began in Northern California. He competed in the Golden Gate Championships and several Western U.S. matches. His passion progressed to shooting 3gun competitions. As his shooting abilities and accomplishments continued to grow, he was approached in 1993 by Safariland to become a team member where he spent 25 years of his career.
Maggie Reese Voigt and Mike Voigt
Awards Banquet at the 2017 IPSC Handgun World Shoot XVIII
Personal Life
Mike was a loving father of two children, Sarah and Kristin, and devoted husband. He adored his wife, professional 3gun shooter Maggie Reese Voigt, and cherished every moment he spent with her. They were life partners working together professionally, going on vacations, shooting trips, and training together. “His life was complete when he met Maggie,” said Carnahan.
Shooting clubs across the country have been asked to dedicate two minutes of silence and prayer in honor of Mike Voigt on April 14, 2018 during their club matches.
Over the years Mike was a strong supporter of the USPSA Junior Program to help the sport grow. He was a big advocate of junior shooters learning the importance of basic firearms safety, fundamentals and competition shooting. Maggie, posted on social media, “In lieu of flowers, I ask that you support the great passion of his life by donating to the
USPSA Junior Program.”
Services and Interment will be held on Saturday, April 14th at 3:00pm at Rose Hills Memorial Park
3888 Workman Mill Road, Whittier, CA 90601.
