The family of Ernest Arthur Taylor, 72, of Simi Valley and Pine Mountain Club has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to participate in the final Military Honors of their Hero. We are proud and honored to fulfill that request.
Ernie was born in Pontiac, Michigan. His family moved to California in 1959. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1970-1972, serving in Vietnam, 1971. He was the Crew Chief and door gunner on a Huey UH-1H helicopter for the Commanding General of the Mekong Delta.
At the time of his honorable discharge as a SPC-4, he had received the following medals: Army Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and wore his Aircraft Crewman Badge with pride.
His career as a professional driver began in 1979 as a tram driver at Universal Studios Tours, where he met his wife, Patricia (née Balink), in 1982. Ernie spent most of his career, thereafter, at Warner Bros. as the set construction driver for such popular television shows as "Friends," "The Big Bang Theory," and "Two and a Half Men.”
Throughout his career he was a proud member of Teamsters Local 399. During a lull in studio work, Ernie also drove for Rocketdyne, supporting NASA’s Space-Shuttle program. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge and love of motorcycles and muscle cars with other enthusiasts and developed numerous lasting friendships throughout the years.
Ernie is survived by his loving wife Patricia (Pat, married since 1989), their two Shelties Indy and R/T; his brother, Kiffen (Monique), their son and two daughters; his sister-in-law, CAPT Linda J. Balink-White, USN(Ret); and his brother-in-law, Bob (Adele) Balink.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time Table for Wednesday, 29 March 20231445 - Stage at Forest Lawn - Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest Lawn Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90068
https://goo.gl/maps/ngJmzRx1JkR313tQA1500 - Mission briefing
1515 - Standby for Hero’s coach arrival
1530 - Proceed to graveside service with military honors
RC Steve Blumenfeld
aka Captain ChaosSoCal PGR R/C
SSGT USAF 1970-1974
661-212-2284
steveb507alrpgr@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 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.
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.
