The family of Michael J. Harding 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.
Michael was born on 28 February 1944 and entered into Eternal Rest just before his 77th birthday.
Michael joined the Navy on 02 February 1962 and was honorably discharged on 07 March 1968. He was a Vietnam veteran. His awards/citations included the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Michael’s duty stations included serving aboard the USS Chevalier DD805. (He always said he floated around the Gulf of Tonkin). He was a Sonar Technician and discharged as a STGSN, (Sonar Technician-Surface Seaman (E-3).
After leaving the Navy he worked at Otis Elevator for over forty years. He worked mostly in large buildings doing modernization and repair.
Michael was very artistic, he could draw anything from house plans to Christmas cards. He carved many soapstone statues. He loved playing cards (poker, cribbage, and gin). He was a good pool shooter.
In his younger years, he enjoyed camping and boating with his kids. He liked going to the river and the desert.
Michael is survived by his wife Janie, sisters Mimi Danage and Beth Young, his mother Jan Harding. He also leaves behind four children, Mathew, Christian, Brad, and Padgett, and five grandchildren.
The family is asking for the PGR to ride with them from the Elks Lodge in El Cajon to Miramar.
Special note: Michael was close friends with Santa Ken and Santa Tom. We met at the Elks Lodge over ten years ago.
Please observe the latest “COVID-19” restrictions.
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 Elks Lodge to his final resting place. 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.
Time Table for Wednesday 02 June 20211015 – Stage at the Elks Lodge, 1400 E. Washington, El Cajon
https://goo.gl/maps/GyqiKab65Xby1Dum61030 – Mission Briefing
1055 – KSU to Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego
http://goo.gl/maps/rAfUs 1100 – Arrive at Miramar National Cemetery
1130 – Full Military Honors
R/C Ken Brassell
SoCalPGR Ride Captain
kenbrassell@gmail.com
619-333-9685
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.
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. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
