The family of Ronald Evans “Riff” Cram has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany their HERO to Desert Memorial Cemetery, Ridgecrest on Saturday, January 20, 2024. We are honored to accompany him and his family.
Riff’s last beat Ronald Evans (Riff) Cram was born November 1, 1966, in China Lake, CA. At a young age, he developed an affinity for electromechanical devices, music, and animals. His early years were spent between Ridgecrest and Rocklin, CA. Ron’s percussion talent earned him the nickname “Riff.” As a teenager, Ron began playing drums in garage bands and landed a gig playing the bar scene before he was old enough to drink! In August 1988, Ron joined the Navy where he became a sonar technician in a submarine. He achieved the rank of Petty Officer (PO3) E4 and received an honorable discharge on Christmas Eve 1990 after 2½ years of service.
Following his discharge, Riff went on to an electrical apprenticeship in California City. Working as an electrician, he was instrumental in building the security system for the prison there. He later went to work at China Lake NAWS, where he worked as an engineer on the Sidewinder Missile. He had been pursuing a BS degree from Embry-Riddle in aeronautical science with a minor in engineering so he could legitimately call himself a rocket scientist!
Ron is preceded in death by his first son Brendon Cram (2005). He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Dustee Denise Cram; son, Ronald James Cram; his mother, Cynthia Wilson; his father, Robert Cram; his sister, Sheila Cram; and five adorable grandchildren.
Services will be held at Holland and Lyons Mortuary Chapel from 10am to 11am followed by a procession to Desert Memorial Cemetery for military honors and a brief graveside service, approximately 3.5 miles away.
TIMETABLE FOR SATURDAY, 20 JANUARY 20241030 – Stage – Holland and Lyons Mortuary, 216 S. Norma St. Ridgecrest, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/K4EcEgnbzM4AAxFm61045 – Mission brief.
1055 – Flag line for dignified transfer of HERO from Mortuary to coach.
1105 – KSU – to Desert Memorial Park, 801 S. San Bernardino Rd. Ridgecrest, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wRQcKuFpW2bw42eT61120 – Arrive at cemetery.
1125 – Flag line– for dignified transfer of HERO from coach to service position.
1130 – Graveside services.
1200 – Dismissed.
*NOTE – ALL TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE.
Scoti Tomlinson
SoCalPGR Ride Captain
760 499-4950
tomlinsonscot@yahoo.com
IWV Patriot Guard Riders on FBYou 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. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
