The PGR has been invited by the family of Thomas S. Palmquist to honor him and accompany him to his final resting place, and it is our honor to so.
Thomas S. Palmquist, 88, passed away peacefully on Oct. 20, 2018, in Los Osos, Ca. He was born in Santa Maria on Oct. 6, 1930. He was an alumni of Santa Maria High School, Allan Hancock College, and Cal Poly.
Thomas served his country during the Korean War in the US Army Signal Corps, and was stationed in Japan.
Tom and his family moved to Cayucos in 1961 to begin his career with the State of California, which began at the Men’s Colony in San Luis Obispo. In 1968, Tom became a State Park Ranger and the family moved to Half Moon Bay, followed by Gustine, Hilmar, and finally Sonoma, Ca, where, as an expert on California history, he finished his career as a tour guide for the Vallejo Home & Sonoma Mission, educating hundreds of school children and appearing on local TV programs.
After retiring, Tom and wife Betty moved to Pioneer, Ca, in the Sierras in 1996, returning to the Central Coast in 2015. Tom loved fishing, golf, at one point working in the pro shop at Santa Maria Country Club. He became a scratch golfer and played in many tournaments, even setting a course record in Los Osos. Tom was also an accomplished trumpet player, playing in the Army, at Cal Poly, and with local dance bands in the 50’s.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Betty; sons Tom and Eric; and grandchildren Elizabeth, Grant, and Madison. He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Eileen Palmquist, and his brothers Roy and Paul Palmquist.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to his final resting place. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
PLEASE BRING YOUR FLAGS Time table for Friday, Oct 26th, 2018:1145 - Stage at Magner-Maloney Funeral Home, 600 E. Stowell Rd, Santa Maria, CA 93454
https://goo.gl/maps/qCj9aDcC42M21150 - Briefing
1215 - Flag Line for dignified transfer of Hero to Coach
1230 - KSU to Santa Maria Cemetery, 1501 S. College Dr., Santa Maria, CA 93454
https://goo.gl/maps/v1a9BdQ5WU121300 - Flag Line and Military Honors
R/C John Archuleta
PGR Ride Captain45jarchuleta@gmail.com
805-441-8506 cell
You 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.
