By Steve Martin, republished with permission from the October 2015 issue of Fourteener Motoring Magazine.

It seems like we have lost too many members of the 914 family lately. In fact, losing even one is too many. This is especially true of Cap’t Krusty. Learning of the passing of John Larson, aka Cap’t Krusty, was difficult for a lot of 914 enthusiasts. For weeks 914world.com threads expressed how important a role he played in so many people’s 914 lives. John brought his own flair to the 914 community, and offered his knowledge and wisdom to anyone that needed assistance.

He will certainly be missed dearly. Perhaps John, and his instrumental role in the 914 community, can remind us of the true importance of the 914. The car isn’t just important because it is a great car, although it is. Nor is it just significant because it can be relatively easy to work on, although that is true as well. Rather, for many of us, our cars are so important because of the people we have met by being a 914 enthusiast. The friendships we have made. The connections that we enjoy and rely on. Without these, owning a 914 just wouldn’t be the same.

I’d like to dedicate this issue to John Larson. As we remember Cap’t Krusty, let’s remember that he thrived on relationships he made within the Porsche community. And he contributed more to that community than he ever took. Maybe the best way to honor John is to strive to live up to his high standards of giving back to the community he loved.