This obituary is devoted to M. I. Polikarpov (28.12.1952Polikarpov (28.12. -18.07.2013, our teacher, our colleague, our friend. We recollect some facts of his biography and stages of his scientific career, and make a brief review of some of his most known scientific works. We conclude with some messages of condolence which were received from his colleagues and friends after his sudden death.