!!! TIME CHANGE/THIS MISSION IS 1 HOUR LATER/SEE NEW TIMES BELOW !!!The family of Milford W. "Butch" Johnson has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany our hero from his memorial to his committal where he will receive military honors. We are very honored to participate.
Butch was born December 8, 1940 in Washington, DC.
Sadly, he passed on November 4, 2017 after a battle with a lymphoma/cancer.
Butch enlisted in the US Navy at the age of 17, with his parents signing their permission. He served honorably from 1958-1960. He earned the rank of Seaman (E-3) and served on the USS Piedmont a destroyer-tender.
Following his proud service to America he worked initially in the electrical trade at A1 Electrical in North Hollywood, CA.
In 1964 he joined the Burbank Fire Department, eventually was a training and safety officer for that department. He was known to be innovative and established new training guidelines as Burbank's skyline became dotted with high rise structures. Butch was actually the training officer of our principal contact, Dwayne Servillo, a PGR Member from Camarillo, CA. and fellow Burbank Fireman.
Butch served often as a Fire Marshall on local Burbank movie and TV production locations.
Ultimately Butch advanced to Shift Battalion Chief serving a total of 30 years with the Burbank Fire Department. Butch often was a participant in large scale mutual aid situations as a battalion commander of tactical strike teams. Shortly before retiring in 1994, he participated one of the most notable fires in Malibu history know as the Old Topanga Fire. It was in 1993 and was at that time the largest mobilization of firemen and equipment in one day.
Retired Burbank Fire Chief and personal friend Mike Davis is presenting the eulogy at Butch's memorial in The Old North Church at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills. Burbank Fire Department will be present to honor our hero with trucks and men to celebrate the life of service of Milford W. "Butch" Johnson.
Butch is survived by his long-time partner and beloved wife, Shirley Johnson. They were married four years ago after being together for 38 years. His sister Dorothy. Two Daughters, Sheri and Cyndi from a previous marriage and Three Grandchildren.
In his retirement he enjoyed reconnecting with the sea on his 55' yacht, "Beguiled II", anchored in Long Beach Harbor. He also enjoyed frequent trips to Las Vegas and could be seen playing table games, mainly blackjack.
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 church to his final resting place.
UPDATED Time Table for Wednesday, 15 November 20171200 Stage at Forest Lawn Memorial Park - Hollywood Hills
(6300 Forest Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068)
https://goo.gl/maps/U3xLdpi5EVo Right side of main road 100 yds. beyond gate
1215 Mission Briefing.
1230 Move quietly to Old North Church Chapel
1300 Flag Line from Old North Church Chapel to awaiting coach.
1315 Est. accompany our hero, family and friends to on-site committal service
graveside with flag line and Military honors.
RC: Steve BlumenfeldSoCal PGR Ride Captain
Santa Clarita, CA
661-212-2284
steveb507alrpgr@gmail.com
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 is to be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed 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.
