FIRST PERSON/OPINION: Via e-mail: In Memoriam: Mike Kaptuch 1947-2012* I’m very sad to report that one of the original NPR Ducati cognescenti and a longtime friend of mine passed away March 28, 2012, from natural causes at his home in Braselton, Georgia, aged 65. Please join me in wishing Mike Godspeed as he departs from this world. Mike was instrumental in helping NPR Ducati get formed and aiding the formation of the fledgling franchise as it went through the inevitable growth pains all businesses go through. He was also a valuable counsel and font of wise advice, having spent a distinguished career in the automotive industry and an avid motorcycle lifer. Every time Mike gave advice-which one had to ask directly for and be prepared for direct criticism if it was warranted-he gave it hesitatingly, quite aware that he was coming from a deep well of a lifetime of knowledge and those of us that were impetuous cowboys might need a little restraining. He was adept at giving those of us completely out of our depth valuable advice, whether it was regarding corporate accounting or food and drink in Northern Italy. Although he spent his career in the automotive industry, his passion was Italian motorcycles, particularly those designed by the legendary Massimo Tamburini and shepherded by the Castiglioni massif. Our family at NPR Ducati and all MV Agusta enthusiasts will miss him. I have a thousand questions for him, that someday I will get to ask, and finally tell him that it was too soon and we have lost an unerring compass. Godspeed, Mike. Paul Bunde NPR Ducati Bogart, Georgia Arrangements are pending; please contact the shop tomorrow and we’ll fill you in as best we can and put you on list for further information. All our prayers and sympathy for his family and friends to ease their suffering.