Pest Management Professional magazine extends its sincerest apologies to Motokazu Hirao, and his family, friends and colleagues, for mistakenly reporting his passing. In addition to inducting Motokazu Hirao into the PMP Hall of Fame (Class of 2009), PMP unknowingly recently placed “Moto” in the same class as Mark Twain, who also lived to read his own obituary and coined the phrase: “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.”
Lost somewhere in translation by a few PMP sources was the fact that the “Moto” who passed away last year was indeed a pest control industry icon, but not Hirao.
It was Mikio Motoki, who founded Apex Pest Control Co., Ltd., in Japan in 1949, who died at the age of 91.
Under Motoki’s leadership, Apex joined the National Pest Control Association (now the National Pest Management Association, or NPMA) as the organization’s first international member.
Motoki also served as the first president of the Pest Control Association of Japan. In 1990, Japan’s Emperor awarded Motoki the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, Medal for his distinguished service and contributions toward public health.
We extend our sincere condolences to Dr. Mitsugu Motoki, his son and current Apex president and CEO, and his extended family.
Marty Whitford
North Coast Media (NCM) Editorial Director
& Pest Management Professional (PMP) Publisher
& Pest Management Professional (PMP) Publisher
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