The family of Richard F. Oropeza has invited the PGR to be present as they bid farewell to their Hero for his service to our country. It will be our privilege to do so.
Richard was 71 years of age at the time of his passing. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1969. He served his time in West Germany as part of the Defense Department during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1971 at the rank of SP4 and served in the Army Reserves until November 1975.
He had a great passion for classic cars and at one time owned a 1951 Oldsmobile Rocket and was working on an older Cadillac at the time of his passing. He loved riding bicycles, going to the beach, and he was never without a toothbrush or a Bluetooth speaker.
Richard was known to be a very generous man. The ice cream man would tell him “You’re my favorite customer” because he would buy all the kids in the neighborhood ice cream. His daughter states he would refer to kids as “rugrats,” calling them that before the movie came out. He wasn’t one to sugarcoat anything. He spoke the truth and it may have hurt your feelings, but the next minute he’d shower you with love by doing just about anything in his willpower. He was very thoughtful, always bringing souvenirs back from his vacations to family and friends. He would take his kids to church and then would ask them what they learned. He re-dedicated his life to the Lord in 2015.
Richard is survived by daughter, Dana Lopez, and son, Christopher Oropeza. He is also survived by his sister, Elizabeth, and his brother, George.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran.
NOTE: Please observe the latest “COVID-19” restrictions and have a face covering should the need arise.
TIMETABLE FOR TUESDAY, 01 MARCH1115 – Stage Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA (
https://goo.gl/maps/2XEgBDYSxBDzaeiA7)
1130– Mission briefing.
1200 – Await arrival of Hero and family and proceed to cortege.
1225 – KSU to assigned shelter for flag line and military honors.
R/C Lillian Riddell, aka Lilygirl54
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
Lilygirl54@roadrunner.com
(909) 855-2623
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance through the rain”
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.
