The family of Francis "Frank" Gerhard has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend his final honors, we are privileged to do so.
Francis Henry Gerhard (Frank), 92, of San Clemente, California passed away peacefully on Friday, November 29, 2019 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born Friday, July 8, 1927 in Berkley, California, and was the son of the late Anthony and Gustava Gerhard.
Frank proudly served in the US Navy aboard the USS Baltimore during WWII.
He returned home after the war and married the love of his life, Glenny Gerhard. They were happily married for over 72 years.
Frank earned a bachelors degree in electrical engineering from USC. He had a long and distinguished career as an electrical engineer/scientist who earned 11 U.S. patents and published several articles in professional journals along the way. His work included several spacecraft projects including power supplies flown on the Space Shuttle, the Scientific payload for the Delta Star Satellite program and the Mars Observer Spacecraft Camera.
Frank was fun loving and adventurous, and during his life his hobbies reflected his varied interests. He was an accomplished water skier and competed in offshore powerboat racing. Later, he flew sailplanes (gliders) and ultimately earned a private pilots license so that he could fly a variety of single engine aircraft. Later in life Frank enjoyed building and flying radio controlled model airplanes. Another life long passion of Frank’s was camping, especially at the beach with family and friends. But above all else, Frank loved and was devoted to his family.
He is survived by his loving wife, Glenny, sons David Gerhard (Karen); James Gerhard and Clifford Gerhard (Jill); 10 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren. Frank was pre-deceased by his oldest son, Stephen Gerhard (Patty).
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
Time Table for Friday, 10 January 2020:1100 - Stage at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 (staging area 4 for family, staging 8 for PGR)
https://goo.gl/maps/q6ZeatAbJA6yUJic71115 - Mission Briefing
1145 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service and Military Honors
R/C Clint "Smurf" Martin
So Cal PGR Ride Captainlltk@sbcglobal.net
951-505-6362
Do not follow where the path may lead...Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.-CourageYou do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
