Mike Bolton
Long time Nation’s Capital Norton Owner Member Mike Bolton was killed in a car accident on June 28th, 2015. Better known among many members as Bolt- On, he had been a member since the late 1980’s; a true character in the finest NCNO tradition.
In the early 1990’s Mike had been absent from club activities for several years but reemerged in December 1994 at a monthly meeting. By August 1995 he had jumped back into the vintage Norton and British bike scene in a big way. By September 1996 he was Rolling Thunder chairman, barely 18 months after reappearing.
Mike loved his Norton motorcycles. He often could be heard saying that out of all of his motorcycles, street and dirt, he enjoyed riding his Commando’s most and if he were to only own one motorcycle, it would be a Norton. His favorite Norton was the 1973 750 he converted to an Interstate set-up. He put many miles on that machine, even launching into the air a few times, which earned it the name The Flyer.
Mike was a giver, he helped so many people with their bikes; at the time of his death he was assisting two club members get their Norton back on the road. Mike crashed more than his share, but he always got back on and never thought of quitting riding. He faced life challenges with humor and never asked for help. Club functions will not be the same without Mike. He was a hijinks catalyst; he started the Cheese Puff wars at the 2000 Rolling Thunder. He was the social lubricant among many members. He was always scheming and dreaming about motorcycles. He laughed at all of us but laughed most at himself. There will never be another member quite like Mike Bolton.
-Burt Upchurch, July 2015
Newspaper Obituary for Michael S. Bolton (age 53)
On June 28, 2015 Michael Bolton, of Frederick, Md. passed away as the result of a car accident. He was born October 12, 1961 in Norfolk, Va., son of Cdr. John M. Bolton, USN, ret. (deceased) and Lillian Bolton of Gulf Breeze, FL.
The love of Michael’s life was his son Jack and wife Lisa. Surviving family members include aunt Doris DiRenzo, Albrightsville, Pa., brothers John M. Bolton (and wife Beate) of Beulah, FL, Adam Bolton, of Portland, OR, and sister Amy Pegelow, nephews Austin and Cameron Evans.
He will be missed by many loving cousins and friends in the Nations Capital Norton Owners Club as well as in Washington-area Rockabilly communities.
A celebration of life service will be held 11 am-1 pm Friday, Stauffer Funeral Homes, 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, Md. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice.
Michael will be missed, he was great addition to the NCNO and always a joy to be around, a real character – he fit right in with us misfits.
Mike was the only person throughout my life to call me “Ricky”, and I was OK with that! I regret not meeting and getting to know that screwball sooner!