The family of Gil Nadeau has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor their hero for his service to his country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Gilbert Nadeau of Escondido, CA passed away on Saturday, October 19 at the age of 98. He was born on Easter Sunday, April 4, 1926 in Beverly, Massachusetts where he grew up poor; a victim of The Great Depression. He graduated from Beverly High School in 1944, but enlisted in the U.S. Navy prior to graduation.
Gil joined the Navy in January 1944 when he was just 16. This was during WWII and Gil being only 4’11” shouldn’t have qualified to join. When it came time to measure his height, they made it so Gil was 5’2”, which was regulation height to join the military.
When Gil attended boot camp in New York the weather was -2 to -5 degrees below zero! Because the war efforts were building, boot camp lasted just 28 days. He was first attached to a small amphibious ship as a “Signalman.” After two years in the Pacific, they were sent to the Philippines to practice maneuvers to prepare for the Japanese invasion. Within a couple of weeks, it was announced that the war was over! Gil’s first thought was “Now I can go home!” He was just short of being 20 years old and hadn’t seen his family this whole time. It still took five months for the Navy to get Gil home.
I personally had the honor to spend time with Gil and listen to his stories. Gil wore his Navy uniform every chance he got and could definitely turn a short story into a long one! Gil was a true treasure and touched many lives in his 98 years!
After the Navy, Gilbert worked in many different industries. Upon moving to San Diego, he met his future wife, Florence. They ultimately settled in Lemon Grove where they raised three children. After retiring from Rohr Aircraft in 1991, they moved to Escondido. Gilbert was actively involved in Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts of America and The National Association of USS LCS(L) 1-130.
Gil is survived by his wife Florence, sons Stephen (Caroline) and Mark (Iris), daughter Linda, four grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father Pierre, mother Ruth, and brother Norman.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, this is a flag line only (FLO) mission at Miramar National Cemetery. For those who would like to participate, please see the timetable and we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE FOR MONDAY, 06 JANUARY 20251145: Stage at Miramar National Cemetery 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122
https://goo.gl/maps/t5iZZCgsD9k 1200: Mission briefing.
1230: Flag line, funeral service with military honors.
Stacey “Lil Bit” McCarthy
San Diego PGR Regional Ride Captain
(619) 277-5176You 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. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.