Jack Hepple was my friend. My wife and I have known Jack and Patti Hepple for the better part of a decade. In that time our paths crossed several times, although not nearly enough.

About eight years ago Jack and Patti helped us buy our first house here in Simi. When it came time for closing, Jack actually gave us his commission because money was very tight for us and we needed help with the closing costs. He didn't make a dime on that sale and made sure we got our home.

Then about a year ago that house went into pre-foreclosure proceedings. Once again, Jack was there for us and was able to sell our home at current value in a failing market before everything crashed.

At one point I was going to have to sell my motorcycle to hold off creditors. When Jack heard that, he called me to say, "Don't sell your bike; we will do something," and with that he forwarded me some money to hold on until the house sold. It was that act of friendship and compassion that allowed me to go on the ride of a lifetime with him to Sturgis, S.D., that summer.

I rode that same motorcycle more than 4,000 miles with him and three other wonderful friends. We were all celebrating life and no one had any clue that on Dec. 3 we would lose our friend and riding buddy.

This world needs more Jack Hepples. In the time I knew him I never heard him say anything negative about anyone. Jack was a quiet man who never had a lot to say about anything.

At his memorial service his wife and daughters spoke with a strength that I couldn't seem to muster, so I sat quietly rather than break down in front of the hundreds of people present. So I am using this forum to speak up and tell your readers about my friend.

He had the heart of a lion but the compassion of a saint. I will miss my friend, but every time I ride my motorcycle I ride with him and in that I will have Sturgis forever.

As my daughter said, after hearing of Jack's passing: "I hope he is riding on an endless road with no bugs or helmet and the winds are sweet and warm."

To that I can only add, "Ride safe, my friend." I miss you. Michael Barnes Simi Valley