The Patriot Guard Riders have been requested by the family of David "Deacon" Phillips on his final ride from the Elks Lodge in Tujunga, CA to a location on Angeles Crest Highway at GPS coordinates 34.261852, -118.112538, where his wife and friends will honor his last request. (distance of approximately 20 miles).
The Patriot Guard Riders are honored to participate in what is what is being called " Deacon's Last Ride" (poster below).
David "Deacon" Phillips. Age 76; served honorably in the United States Navy, E2 (maybe E3) rated Yeoman in the Vietnam Era from 1958-1961. He succumbed to complications of his battle with Parkinson's Disease recently.
He is survived by his significant other of 16 years, Lady Kay Deli, his cousin Joe Dorsey and family of Bristol Pennsylvania, his faithful cat "Goldie", as well as many brothers & sisters in the biker community. Deacon is predeceased by his parents, Dan & Mary Phillips of Pennsylvania, and his son, Terry Phillips (2016).
In civilian life he was a retired commercial artist, known for his murals, signs, and pin striping. He's built & painted custom motorcycles.
During the early 60s he was a member of the Philadelphia Police Department on their motorcycle highway patrol, during which time he received multiple commendations.
His main love in life was his 1949 Harley Davidson Panhead, that he bought at age 15 & chopped in the 70s. Throughout his life he rode hundreds of thousands of miles, until 2013 when Parkinson's took him out of the saddle. To say he was involved in motorcyclists' rights would be a huge understatement. In 1982 Deacon founded ABATE of California. He was inducted into the Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2006. That ceremony is on YouTube @
https://youtu.be/-fYAIRrY2-Q Deacon also authored and self-published a book "The Adventures of Sledge Hammer; 'The Old Outlaw'" by "the Deacon", David D. Phillips.
Time Table for Saturday, October 14, 2017:1100hrs - Stage at Elks Lodge Tujunga, CA 10137 Commerce Ave, Tujunga, CA 91042 -
https://goo.gl/maps/CZ5XU5V2Dg521115hrs - Pre-ride meeting and safety briefing.
1145hrs - Flag Line for the dignified transfer of the hero's cremains from the Elks Lodge to the honored motorcycle transport.
1200hrs - KSU to Angeles Crest Hwy turnout @ GPS Coordinates 34.261852, -118.112538 -
https://goo.gl/maps/t8BmmBzaXnN21245hrs - Est. Arrival at final destination turnout.
1300hrs - Est. Flag Line for transfer of our hero to his final destination with honors.
Several important notes:1. This will be a technical ride over some of Southern California's favorite mountain roads: Big Tujunga Canyon, Angeles Forrest Highway and Angeles Crest Highway on a Saturday afternoon (traffic). If you are not comfortable with riding on this type of route, please join us in a cage.
2. Because Deacon is a hero not only in a military service sense, but also in the motorcycle community, there is likely to be a very large contingent of ABATE motorcycle riders of all persuasions, many coming from out of the area and even some from out of state. 3.This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this US Navy Veteran. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying this hero and family from the Elks Lodge to his place of eternal rest. Please see the time table if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to that destination, we will meet you there.
Steve BlumenfeldUSAF SSGT(E-5), 1970-1974
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
661-212-2284
steveb507alrpgr@gmail.comDeacon's Last Ride Event Poster
http://www.abate.org/Portals/0/EVENT%20FLYERS/deaconflyer.pdf?ver=2017-10-06-132157-143NOTE: 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.
