FIRST PERSON/OPINION Via e-mail: Steve Swanepoel, General Manager of Suzuki South Africa, passed away this week from complications following an operation to repair damage to his aorta. He was diagnosed with an aneurism about three weeks ago, and went in to have a part of the aortic artery replaced. This is a common procedure. Steve is a legend in the South African motorcycle industry, and worked for Suzuki South Africa for over 25 years. Steve oversaw the Suzuki racing effort in South Africa, and was responsible for many South African Championships, both on and off road. He delighted in helping promising young talent, the latest being Hudson Kennaugh, who won the 2005 Suzuki GSX-R Cup. A very talented marketing man, he was never afraid to laugh at himself, to the extent of having a superman-like suit made with a Suzuki “S” logo on the front, which he wore at the launch of new bikes, and other promotions, much to the delight and amusement of Suzuki fans. He leaves his 2nd wife Ina, and two sons Steven and Vaughn, and will be sorely missed by the South African motorcycle industry and a wide circle of friends worldwide Steve lived in Johannesburg (where Suzuki SA is based), and was 62 years old. Clive Strugnell South Africa