The family of Lt. Tom Ganz has invited the Patriot Guard to join them in paying honors to this American Hero, it will be our honor to do so.
Tom was in the Coast Guard Reserves for 8 yrs. From 1957 - 1968. He never became fully active duty, and didn't serve in any Active Duty Combat. He did however complete all of his requirements for all of his reserve duties, and was discharged at the rank of Yeoman third class. (E-4).
Tom and his wife did a lot of different things during their 48 yrs. of marriage. After his discharge, Tom joined the Calif. Hwy. Patrol from 1964 - 1989. During his 25 yrs. he served in Malibu, San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, and finally finishing out his career at San Juan Capistrano. He completed his Law Enforcement Career and got out at the rank of Lt.
When Tom retired from CHP after 25 years he became an Expert Witness in Accident Reconstruction and Law Enforcement Procedures and acted in the capacity of Expert until he again retired in 2014. He loved to play tennis but his great passion was fly fishing. He traveled extensively in California, Alaska, Montana, Canada and Michigan in pursuit of rainbow trout, steelhead and salmon. Birgitta still working as a Real Estate Broker they made fly fishing a fun hobby for them to share. They had 80 acres in Templeton, San Louis Obispo County, and were going to grow the perfect zinfandel wine. However, farming while also working at our professions where too ambitious.
Tom leaves behind his wife of 48 yrs, Birgitta; Sister, Diane; one son, Chris; and 3 Grand Children.
Note: This hero was Peggy Kane's boss. Peggy is one of our own PGR members that you know. She is always working with the Marines. Peggy volunteers both at Los Alamitos and Camp Pendleton. Tom is the brother of Peggy's charge Diane who she takes care of, and who you have seen on many missions.
Note: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, this will be a memorial service with flag line out only. The family has requested we do a flag line out only as a culmination to the honors being done first by CHP than the USCG. Let's do our best to honor this American Hero both Military, and Law Enforcement.
Ceremonies will already be under way when we arrive so please arrive quietly.Time Table for Saturday 20 SEP 141415 - Stage Pacific View Mortuary, 3500 Pacific View Dr., Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
https://goo.gl/maps/YX1q31430 - Mission Briefing.
1500 - Flag line for family following service and honors.
R/C : Mike "Joker" Courtright
SoCal PGR - Ride Captain
mokynanapo@sbcglobal.net
714 -321-3356
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. Everyone is 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 post your condolences at this link:
https://www.patriotguard.org/showthread.php?394933
