The family of Michael Cornelius Duran have invited the Patriot Guard Riders to accompany Michael to his final resting place. It is our honor to do so.
Michael Cornelius Duran, born Sept. 21, 1949 to the parents Benjamin and Minnie Duran, at Murphy Memorial Hospital in Whittier, CA.
He attended Wallace S. Wiggins Elementary School in Whittier, CA then went to Los Nietos Jr. High in Santa Fe Springs, CA. He was a Cub Scout of America, then a Boy Scout during this time. His father was the Scout Master. He graduated in 1967 from Whittier Union High School.
Michael enlisted in the army where he was assigned to Germany from 1969-1971, during the Vietnam Era, and was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant.
He returned to Whittier, CA after serving his country honorably. He went on to work as a technician for an oil refinery for 28 years. Michael loved restoring and collecting classic cars. His "baby" was a '55 Chevy which he gifted to his nephew Ken Cook who will proudly drive it in his uncle's procession to his final resting place.
Michael is survived by his loving family, his sister, Victoria Smith of Las Vegas, NV, his brother, Chris Duran of Ontario, CA, his niece, Kimry Gallagher of Lakewood, CA, his nephew, Kenneth Cook of Pico Rivera, CA, and his niece, Kerrin Smith of Temecula, CA. Michael was met at Heaven's Gate by his sister, Lupe Cook. He will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this American Hero. For those interested, and all are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the mortuary to the cemetery (approximately 30 miles). Please see the time table if you would like to participate.
Time table for Tuesday 2 June 2020:0845 - Stage at Risher Mortuary & Cremation Service, 1316 W Whittier Blvd, Montebello, CA 90640
https://goo.gl/maps/izZrSHf2qpBibm6j6 0900 - Mission Briefing
0915 - Flag Line as our Hero is brought from the Mortuary to the awaiting coach
0930 - KSU to Green Hills Cemetery Mortuary & Memorial Chapel, 27501 S Western Ave, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
https://g.page/green-hills-mortuary-chapel?share1015 - ETA Green Hills Cemetery Mortuary & Memorial Chapel
1030 - Flag Line as our Hero is moved from the coach to the gravesite (Due to Covid 19 restrictions, this procedure may change to a turn around at the gate for the PGR)
R/C Tom Barry
SoCal PGR Ride Captain(714) 206-1227
admin@armobility.com
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 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. No shorts, tank tops or other inappropriate attire.
