The family of HMCS MICHAEL FRANCIS PATERSON USN/USNR RET and CHP RET has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to attend a Celebration of Life Memorial Service for their Hero. We are Honored to attend.
Mike was born in Granite City, Illinois to James David Paterson and Mary Elizabeth
Kruse on February 5, 1958 and passed away on Wednesday December 15, 2021, due to service - related medical conditions.
Mike lived a rich life of servitude and integrity. He served his family as a devoted husband to his wife, a loving father to his 5 children and a loving grandfather to his 8 grandchildren.
Mike served his community as a California Highway Patrolman for 30 years
earning many awards and recognitions for excellence, retiring in 2012.
He also served his country as a US Navy Hospital Corpsman enlisting for 5 years of
Active Duty, then continuing his service as a Reservist for 23 years while working
full time as CHP. He was activated in April 2003, spending most of the year in Iraq
during Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom with the 4th LAR Battalion of the
US Marine Corps. Mike retired from the Navy as a Senior Chief Petty Officer after
28 total years of service.
He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, National
Defense Service Medal (2 awards), Good Conduct Medal, Expert Pistol Medal,
Naval Reserve Service Medal (4 awards), Armed Forces Service Medal (w/ 2 silver
Hourglass Devices), Meritorious Unit Commendation and was a Veteran of
Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring and Iraqi Freedom.
Mike served his church as the Men’s Ministry Leader for many years, faithfully
taught adult Sunday School classes and served on the church council as President
for several terms.
Mike is survived by his wife of 28 years Lona Paterson. Children; Brennan
Paterson, Galen Paterson, Niall Paterson, Ryan Paterson, Caitlin Paterson.
Grandchildren; Marcus Paterson, Matthew Paterson, Mariah Paterson, Liam
Paterson, Anders Paterson, Ryder Marcus, Jaxzn Paterson. Siblings; Robert
Fenimore, Kathleen Heib, Daniel Fenimore, Peter Fenimore, Paul Fenimore and
several Nieces and Nephews.
…Husband, Father, Brother, Friend, Provider, Peace Officer, War Veteran, Faithful
Christian, Leather Worker, Ancestry Fanatic, Steadfast Servant, Bold, Fearless,
Selfless……he will be missed.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family to various locations, see time table below. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate.
NOTES: Please observe face covering protocol and social distancing in attendance
for this mission. Please bring parade flags mounted on bikes and communication capability via CB radio if available.TIME TABLE FOR SATURDAY 22 JANUARY 2022:0815 – STAGE – Beanster’s Espresso parking lot, 1601 Triangle Dr., Ridgecrest, CA 93555
https://goo.gl/maps/WWUzHwY9EKLhWGBT90830 – BRIEF
0845 – KSU – To Holland and Lyons Mortuary, 216 S. Norma St., Ridgecrest, CA 93555
https://goo.gl/maps/QHHsKGRzitqEvajJ90900 – Estimated time of arrival at Holland and Lyons.
0910 – FLAG LINE – For dignified transfer of Hero from building to coach.
0930 – KSU – To Desert Christian Center, 100 E. Bataan Ave., Ridgecrest, CA 93555
https://goo.gl/maps/xVKErCnvTU2dtCHMA0945 – Estimated time of arrival at Desert Christian Center.
0955 – FLAG LINE – for dignified transfer of Hero from coach to building.
1100 – Services begin
1200 – Services complete (Approximate)
1210 – FLAG LINE – (Approximate) For dignified transfer of Hero from building to
coach.
1220 – KSU – To Desert Empire Fairgrounds 520 S. Richmond Rd., Ridgecrest, CA 93555
https://goo.gl/maps/5pJJ4nwH5pBnLSXF91235 – Estimated time of arrival at Desert Empire Fairgrounds.
1245 – FLAG LINE - (Approximate) For dignified transfer of Hero from coach to
reception hall.
1255 – DISMISSED
R/C Scoti Tomlinson
SoCal PGR Ride CaptainIWV Patriot Guard Riders on FB
(760)499-4950
tomlinsonscot@yahoo.com
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.
