RIP Dick Kantner

[Mike Lopez]

Pioneer in composites and the engineer behind the Graphite USA bikes produced in the early '70s. Just passed away at 88 years old.

This guy did it all in composites at one time or another. Ranging from the composite parts on the SR71, consulting on shuttle parts, pioneering the entry into the sporting goods market in the '70s. Golf, tennis, fishing, cycling....

The bikes obviously caught my attention early on but I've spent my career building upon the foundation he laid in the composites sporting goods industry.

Until a few years ago our paths hadn't crossed for over a decade but somehow he tracked me down and showed up at my shop and was like a kid in a candy store lustfully looking at all the goodies and speculating on the next what if.....

I feel fortunate to have known him over the years. Certainly a life well spent!

[jlwdm]

Thanks for posting Mike.

Jeff

[Steve in SLO]

He was an important pioneer/contributor to what has become huge multi-faceted industry.
Certainly a life worth noting.
One would bet that his last visit with you was memorable for both of you.
Thanks, Mike.

[gasman]

I had never heard of him but his contributions were more than most of us could ever hope to accomplish in a lifetime. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.