The family of Michael "Mike" Steele have invited the Patriot Guard to honor their hero on his final journey. It is our privilege to fulfill their request.
Mike served in the United States Marine Corps from June 1982 to May 1986 and was honorably discharged at the rank of Corporal. He served as an Aviation PME Calibration Tech calibrating avionics.
Civilian life led Mike into different aspects of his life: he ran a Notary business that employed over 5,000 notaries nationwide out of his living room and in Alisa Viejo, and he worked as a loan officer in the mortgage industry.
Mike was an avid motorcyclist, scuba diver, and photographer, which led him into a career as a photographer, earning him many awards for his photography. He was the photographer for many local beach weddings and other social events. He frequented Swallows and Cook’s Corner.
According to his wife, Mike’s “personality, his generosity and kindness were as big as he was - just a mountain of muscles - and he did not have an aggressive bone in his body.”
Mike leaves behind his loving wife, Nicole, who stayed by his side day and night until his passing, as well as other family members. He also leaves behind a community of friends who will truly miss him.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, after military honors are presented at the mortuary, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to his Celebration of Life at Cook’s Corner in Trabuco Canyon, approximately nine miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate.
TIMETABLE FOR FRIDAY, 10 APRIL 20260945: Stage at O’Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/jPhMXLVFLFx99gv491015: Mission briefing.
1115: Flag line from chapel to parking lot for military honors.
1145: KSU to Cooks Corner, 19152 Santiago Canyon Rd, Trabuco Canyon, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/91TdupyKhx6ui3ii6PGR Mission Coordinator:
Jack Bland
SoCal PGR Member
(310) 227-7492You do not have to be a veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are 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 Ride Captain (RC). 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.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service.
