The family of Russell Lynn Johnson has invited the Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) to attend the military honors of their loved one as he makes his final journey. It will be our honor to do so.
Russ served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970. He served in Vietnam. His rank was Sergeant at the time of his exit from military service. He received the Combat Infantry Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
After serving in the military, Russ worked in the business sector as a Business Manager with fluid hydraulic products for submarines and nuclear power, as well as batteries and motorcycle components.
Russ’s hobbies included Goldwing motorcycle riding. He was very active in the Inland Empire’s CA1Z and CA1M Goldwing Chapters, holding positions of Chapter Director, Assistant Director, and Ride Coordinator. He had numerous friends throughout the Goldwing chapters and led rides to visit many of the chapters. He also enjoyed visiting our national parks and enjoyed this beautiful country. He participated in many PGR missions. Sadly, Russ passed doing what he enjoyed, riding his Goldwing motorcycle while returning from a district Goldwing rally.
Per Russ' family: Russ Johnson was called home to the wilds of the California Sierra Mountains for his final motorcycle ride on the open road. His dream as a young man returning from war in Vietnam was to own a motorcycle and that dream spurred a lifelong passion to tour his beloved country and see firsthand the natural wonders of our world.
His wanderlust for adventure took him away from his Midwestern roots in Stillwater, Minnesota to new locales such as tropical Puerto Rico, sunny California, and the seashore of Connecticut for his work within the hydraulic industry. Yet the distance did not impact his close relationships with his family and friends- rather, Russ took that as an opportunity to pick up the phone for a weekend chat, or a quick handwritten note with a special newspaper clipping he wanted to share. He had a knack for connecting with people and making you feel seen and valued – a gift that is rare in the current hectic pace of life. He loved to share his numerous catchphrases in conversation and was commonly heard of late to say- “I plan to live forever- and it’s going well so far!” Alas, nature calls us all back into the fold – some sooner than anticipated.Russ leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Georgina Johnson; daughter, Kimberly Molina (Pete); and three grandchildren, Ellie, Miles, and Tyler. He is also survived by four living siblings. Two sisters predeceased Russ.
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 and his family from the family home to the cemetery, approximately 20 miles. Please see the timetable for staging directions if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE FOR FRIDAY, 30 JUNE 20231245 - Stage at CVS, 1101 Hidden Valley Pkwy, Norco, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/dhir3PVS3nfLtzf771300 - Mission briefing.
1315 – KSU to family home (less than one mile).
1330 - Flag line as Hero is moved to personal family vehicle.
1345 - KSU to RNC (approximately 20 miles).
1415-1430 - ETA to RNC and move to assigned cortège.
1445 KSU to committal for flag line and military honors.
Larry Medcraft, aka Blaze
SoCalPGR Ride Captain
LMedcraf@yahoo.comCell 951-897-6635
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.
