The family of Fred Robert Ritchie, age 70, has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to be present to honor this hero for his service to this country. It is our honor and privilege to do so.
On September 14th, our Hero succumbed to a four year battle with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Disease.
Fred enlisted in the U.S. Navy shortly after his 17th birthday on Dec 7th 1964.
Notably, that was a Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
He served his country from 1964-1968 aboard the USS Thomaston (LSD-28). He served on that ship as a cook, CS3 rating (E-4). That ship spent many years sending Marines to the shores of Vietnam on the landing craft that this ship was designed to launch. For his honorable service to America, Fred was awarded the National Defense Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service Ribbon, and Vietnam Campaign Ribbon.
After his service Fred became a locksmith, most notably at CALARTS here in Santa Clarita for over 25 years. He enjoyed building models of planes and cars. He was previously active as a motorcyclist with the group "Soldiers for Jesus".
Fred is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Carol. He is also survived by son, Fred Jr., daughters Julia and Darien, Sons-in-law Mark and Justin as well as 6 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded by son David.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero.
Please read the important note below the timetable
Time Table for Monday, September 24, 2018:11:15 Staging at The Village Church - 24802 Alderbrook Drive, Newhall, CA 91321 -
https://goo.gl/maps/PxyL9iMVLjQ2Note: Arrive quietly as service will be in progress.11:30 Mission Briefing
12:00 Flag line for dignified transfer of our Hero to awaiting coach.
12:15 KSU to Eternal Valley Memorial Park - 23287 Sierra Highway, Newhall, CA 91321 -
https://goo.gl/maps/BuHZkKkv2wo12:30 Arrive at Eternal Valley for Flag line and Graveside Military honors
IMPORTANT NOTE: Our destination is a cemetery that is completing a massive road renovation.
It is possible that on the day, a judgement call will be made to not go the graveside because of unsafe road conditions. Even if the new asphalt is in place, it may still not be "kickstand friendly". If that turns out to be the case, the PGR presentation will occur at the church and our accompaniment will terminate immediately inside the entrance to the park. The family and Eternal Valley staff are in total agreement with this probable scenario.
R/C Steve Blumenfeld
aka Captain Chaos
So Cal PGR Ride Captain
steveb507alrpgr@gmail.com661-212-2284
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.
