The PGR has been invited by the family to honor their hero, and it is our privilege to do so.
Patrick “Pat” Sotero Cruz, aka (Cruzer), passed away on July 15, 2021, at the age of 75 at his home in Taft, CA. He was born on April 22, 1946, in Lompoc, CA. He was 1 of 10 children to Salvador and Esther Cruz.
Patrick graduated from Lompoc High School in 1964 and from there he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1965. He began his career as a machine gunner and then proudly served in the Vietnam War. Awards and Medals Good Conduct, National Defense Service Medal (W 2 stars),
Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal. He was honorably discharged in 1968.
After the war, Years later, he moved to Taft, CA to begin his 40-year career as an oil field operator in 1980 he returned to Lompoc where he was employed at Johns Manville and Lompoc Cooler.
He is survived by children Pamela (Nick), Tamara, Kimberlee (John), Sanya (Jeno), Teddy (Marcella), and Marcus (Megan). He had an endless love for his 23 grandchildren: Damon, Stevie, Elijah, Devin, Austin, Gabriella, Isabella, Christina, Samantha, Sheridan, Ian, Lakin, Hannah, Jenny, JohnJohn, Seven, Krystian, Deegan, Peewee, Connor, Ruby, Max, and Dominic. He had 12 great-grandchildren: Audrina, Avalynn, Leo Sotero, Zain, Chloe James, Brent, Cooper, Evelyn, Brenner, Silas, Berkleigh, Lindley. He had an unbreakable bond with siblings Gloria Laucirica, Christine Terrones, Richard Cruz, and Theresa Vasquez. He was a proud God Father to Rachel Gonzalez. He had numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins that all held a special place in his heart.
Patrick is preceded in death by his parents, siblings Gregory Cruz, John Cruz, Salvador Cruz Jr, Angie Vargas, and Eleanor Magallon. He will always be remembered as a great father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He is known for his words of wisdom.
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 mortuary 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.
NOTE: Please observe the latest “COVID-19” restrictions, have a mask available if needed.Time Table for Saturday, 31 JUL 21:1000 - Staging Starbuck-Lind Mortuary 123 N. A St. Lompoc, Ca 93436
https://goo.gl/maps/jy4RkjfX2WmdvuXu81015 - Briefing,
1030 - Flag Line from Mortuary to Coach
1045 - KSU to Lompoc Cemetery, 600 S. C St., Lompoc Ca 93436
https://goo.gl/maps/1vZoHadhLUvBPnL681100 - Arrival at Cemetery for Flag Line and Military Honors
Please bring your Flags and Water none will be provided.R/C Anthony Cercone
PGR Ride Captain805-720-0863
tonecercone@hotmail.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 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.
