We have been invited by the family of one of our own members, William A. Summers, to honor him at his final services. We will be honored to do so.
William "Bill" Summers was an avid motorcycle rider, and a PGR member. He was very proud of the fact that he rode "All the Way" on RFTW in 2019. Since he was a Vietnam Vet himself this was very meaningful to him. He was also a very active member of Vietnam Vets of America and helped other Vets whenever he could.
Sadly, he was on a ride up North in the Bakersfield area and collided with a semi when getting on the freeway and was killed. Bill was en route, on his motorcycle, to another Seawolf’s funeral, representing the Seawolves as president of the organization, and as a Patriot Guard Rider. He died doing what he loved.
As an Aviation Technician for the Navy, Bill was a member of the Distinguished HA(L)-3 Seawolves (Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron 3). The only Navy squadron ever commissioned and decommissioned on foreign land. Bill served two and a half years in Vietnam and obtained the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.
Bill grew up in Upland, CA and attended Upland High School. After serving honorably in the US Navy, Bill spent several years in the plastic injection molding industry. He worked long hours and weekends to put his five children through private school. Bill always made time to attend school functions, sporting events, and coach several of his children’s sports teams. He also had many technical skills and talents, including his skillful woodworking abilities, which can be seen in homes, restaurants, businesses and schools. He additionally made time to earn his Associate in Arts degree from Chaffey College. Bill volunteered in the NICU at Pomona Valley Hospital, and regularly donated blood and platelets. With his wife, Suzi, they dressed as Santa and his Elf, and delivered presents to orphanages during the holidays. Bill loved to ride his motorcycle and would use his motorcycle as Santa’s sleigh to deliver the gifts. He regularly went on motorcycle rides with his friends and recently participated in the 7000 mile roundtrip “Run for the Wall” in 2019.
Bill was very involved with the Vietnam Veterans of America and within the Seawolves Association, serving as Vice President - Membership Coordinator, and just recently being appointed President in October 2021. He often participated in Veterans Without Families Memorial Services at Riverside National Cemetery with the Patriot Guard Riders.
Bill is survived by his wife of over 49 years, Susanna Summers. His five children: daughter Sheri Shimko - husband Martin, children Ericka Butler (husband Ben), Alexis Shimko and Carissa Shimko; son William (Billy) Summers - wife Antoinette, children Paige, Evangelina, William Philip (Billy), and Joseph; son Brian – wife Kimberly, children Jacob, Joshua, and Jenna; son Robert - wife Claire, children Ryan, Alyssa and Cameron; son Brent - wife Michelle, children Charlotte and Zachary; his mother Irene Summers of Poulsbo, WA; his brother Danny Summers of Lynwood, WA; and his sister Rene Summers of Poulsbo, WA. He was predeceased by his father, William James Summers. Bill had a total of 16 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran and PGR Brother. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will accompany the Hero and his family from the church to the cemetery, approx 36 miles. For those who would like to participate, please see the timetable. If you prefer to meet us at the cemetery we will see you there.
NOTE: Please observe the latest “COVID-19” restrictions and have a face covering should the need arise.TIMELINE FOR WEDNESDAY, 26 JANUARY:1100 - Stage at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 2110 N. San Antonio Ave., Upland, CA 91784
https://goo.gl/maps/QNnULBMAbZZvrSRA91115 - Mission Briefing.
1145 - KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA.
https://goo.gl/maps/VWEL2E2UzMSz3Dwo9 (PGR stage on Normandy near 1st circle)
1300 - Est arrival at cemetery (be at the cemetery at this time if you wish to meet us there)
1315 - Mission briefing.
1330 - Await arrival of Hero and family and proceed to cortege.
1345 - KSU to assigned shelter for Flag Line, Military Honors, and Service.
R/C Dennis “Navrick” Navarre
SoCalPGR Ride Captain909-262-5545
dennis.navarre@gmail.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.
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.
