Sadly, a long time member of the PGR, here in So Cal, has passed away. Robert W. "Bob" Sutton Jr., who was also a Ride Captain for us for many years. His family has invited his PGR family to honor him, we are privileged to do so.
Robert was born in Zanesville, Ohio, on December 22, 1943. After graduating from Zanesville High School with a prestigious four-year scholarship, he joined ROTC and earned a Bachelor of Science in Statistical Engineering from The Ohio State University.
Bob then enlisted into the U.S. Air Force and served as an Officer. While serving in Tacoma, Washington, he earned his MBA from Pacific Lutheran University and later opted out of the traditional next step in education for a PhD to follow his passion for aviation. By 1971, he was a Certified Air Traffic Controller, Licensed Private Pilot and Licensed Commercial Aviation Pilot.
With experience in all facets of the aviation industry, Robert founded Aviation Research, Inc. in 1979. Over the next 25 years, he consulted on national and global aviation systems and safety with JPL, FAA and NASA and was an authority in the aviation safety community. And if starting a business in 1979 wasn’t enough to do in one year, Robert also designed and constructed the first of many homes he would go on to build - a passion he and his father shared.
In 1989, Robert relocated to sunny California where his love of “things that go vroom” expanded beyond airplanes, Corvettes, classic cars and motorcycles into hot rods & muscle cars. He loved machines: tinkering and fixing, building and rebuilding, driving and riding, buying and selling, the “whoa” and “wow” from others as he went down the road, and especially the great times with all the car folks in Donuts & Derelicts, Drifters, and at the Murrieta Rod Run as a judge where he loved to open the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Never one to shy away from responsibility, Robert answered the call and served 6 years on the La Cresta POA, 4 of which he was President. During his term, he brought 5 HOA’s together for a single concept installation at the community entrance, increased safety with the addition of a left-hand turn lane and video cameras, added numerous beautification projects including a Horse and Rider monument, and enhanced the La Cresta entrance to add banners for events.
In addition to numerous other commitments, Robert proudly volunteered with the Southern California Patriot Guard as a Ride Captain working to ensure dignity and respect at memorial services for fallen military, first responders and veterans. Bob also would provide American Flags to the families of KIAs that had been flown over the State Capital in Sacramento.
Robert was a rare combination of consummate learner and passionate teacher and he never shied away from showing anyone how it should be done. He was a man of action and a man of many, many words...mostly sarcastic words, but always in good fun. He recognized when work was needed and enjoyed cutting through bureaucracies to make things happen. He was driven by respect, fairness, equality, faith, and family. He was a big man with a big heart and a big vision. He was competitive - Catch Phrase, Cards or The Game of Greed anyone? He was loyal, honest and believed in truth, justice and the American way. He was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, friend - and we are all better for knowing him.
Robert is survived by his wife Karen, brother Kevin, sister-in-law Carolyn, children Lisa Suzette and Robert Aaron, daughter-in-law Jennifer, grandchildren Michael Aaron, Kaylee Alyssa & Michael Kyler, blended family Kimberly Kay and Scott Foscaldo, Chadwyn James, Lauren Ashley & Jeremey Edward Cathcart and many other close family and friends.
Robert is preceded in death by both his parents, Virginia Mae and Robert Walter Sutton Sr. and his brother James Imes Sutton.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the Hero from church to his final resting place, approx 24 miles.. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
NOTE: Please observe the latest COVID-19. Face coverings are required.Time Table for Thursday, 06 MAY 21:1100 - Stage at The Lamb’s Fellowship Church, 21901 Railroad Canyon Rd, Lake Elsinore, CA 92532
https://goo.gl/maps/uxbBTFouAGkxu7LTA1115 - Mission briefing
1130 - Flag Line for transfer of Hero from church to coach
1145 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 (PGR to staging area 9) Approx 24 miles
https://goo.gl/maps/MonNxZpnn86GnDNc71230 - Est arrival at RNC
1300 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Service and Military Honors
R/C Craig (Gunny) Donor
GySgt USMC (ret)
California State Captain
Patriot Guard RidersCell 909 208 7703
pgrgunny-001@yahoo.com
Member since 31 May 2006
PGR # 36750
Dream like you will live forever.
Live like there is no tomorrow.
When the world calls 911
The American Military answers the call.
You 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.
