We have been invited by the family to honor one of our own, Ride Captain Vern Ellis Grimshaw, age 87, for his service as he receives his Military Honors. It will be our privilege to do so.
Vern Ellis Grimshaw, 87, of Hacienda Heights, California passed away on November 9, 2021. He was born on April 5, 1934 in Goble, Oregon, to the late Raymond and Golda Grimshaw. He was the youngest of nine children.
After graduating from Lincoln High School in Portland, Oregon in 1951, he attended Oregon State University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1955. On July 30, 1956, he married Marilyn Valene Pettichord in Portland, Oregon.
In 1955 he began his career with Union Oil. During his 35 years with Union Oil he held numerous management level positions, predominately in Transportation Planning & Pipeline Design and Engineering & Operations.
On January 12, 1957 Vern took a break from his job at Union Oil to enlist in the US Army, he served Active Duty and Reserves until his honorable discharge on November 30, 1964.
Vern was active in the Southern California Patriot Guard Riders, along with his son Mike, for many years. Vern served also as a Ride Captain, comforting the families of our Heroes. He and Mike became aware of the PGR when Mike's son, Vern's grandson, and also a son-in-law passed away and the PGR was there to honor them. They wanted to "pay it forward" and have done so, honorably.
Vern was also a contributor to many charitable organizations, including Meals on Wheels and Friends of the Griffith Observatory. He was active in the San Gabriel & Pomona Valley Polio Support Group and he stayed in touch with high school and college friends by helping to coordinate reunions and get-togethers. Vern remained friends and stayed in contact with his Union Oil/Unocal and consulting co-workers up until his passing.
Always needing a project to work on, he designed and built two homes, one he and Marilyn lived in since 1979, and one in Temecula, California.
Vern is preceded in death by his beloved wife Marilyn, he is survived by four children - Michael V. Grimshaw of Hacienda Heights, California, David R. Grimshaw (Krista) of Lake Elsinore, California, Susan C. McClelland (Tim) of Smethport, Pennsylvania and Jeff A. Grimshaw (Pauline) of Huntington Beach, California. Vern is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson.
Vern was a great man, loved and respected by all who knew him, he will be forever remembered by family, friends and co-workers.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
NOTE: please observe all COVID-19 Rules, PLEASE HAVE MASK AVAILABLE IF NEEDED.
Timeline for Thursday Dec 02, 2021:SPECIAL NOTE - SENTRY TEAMS:(Volunteers if you are interested. Estimate Sentry time 10 to 15 min depending on amount of volunteers)
0815 - Stage
0830 - Mission briefing
0850 - 1st Sentries stand guard
0900 - 1st Sentries proceed to station
1100 - Last sentry move out
PGR STAGING:1115 - Stage at Forest Lawn, 21300 Via Verde St., Covina, CA 91724 (PGR stage 1st parking on right by fwy)
https://goo.gl/maps/pxzNjnTzv5Ro2EtdA1130 - mission briefing
1145 - proceed to walkway across grounds leading up to site
1200 - Flag Line as our Brother Vern is brought up to final resting place.
R/C Mike "Joker" Courtright
So Cal Patriot Guard, Ride Captainmokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714-321-3356
"Standing for those who stood for us"
Only 2 defining forces offered to die for you:
Jesus Christ, and the American Soldier:
One died for your soul, the other one died for your freedom.R/C Angel Guaderrama, Sgt. USAF
So Cal PGR Ride Captain909-229-1809
guad45@yahoo.com
"Thank a Soldier"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.
