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| BGBB Memorial Page |
| In loving memory of our Brothers who are gone, but will never be forgotten. |
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| "THE LAST RIDE" |
| I stood and I watched as my Brother rode by It wasn't the way it should be He rode not his bike, but in a long black cage And he rode by himself not with me. |
| But I shed not a tear for this Brother of mine For he lived free and loved his lifestyle So ride on my Brother and rest in peace Till we meet again after while |
| And when my time comes to take that last ride You can bet it'll be with a smile Cause I love to ride and I'll be going home So I'll enjoy it to the very last mile |
| ©2003 (RoadHog/RoadHog's Pig Pen™) All Rights Reserved |
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| BGBB Brother Coderider GBNF |
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| John “Coderider” William Smyder, Jr
June 17, 1956 – April 1, 2025 |
| Love, Laughter, and an Unwavering Faith. Brother John lived his life in devotion to God, his family and friends. He was an example to all he met and spread his faith, wisdom and humor. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, their stories and the messeges of faith he has placed on our hearts. We will listen to the air for your messages on the radio, the sound of music and most of all your laughter. Rest easy at our Fathers table Brother. |
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| BGBB Brother Radar GBNF |
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| Steve “Radar” Toth
February 9, 1945 – July 6, 2024 |
| A Committed Heart Endures. Brother Radar was a committed Husband, Father and Brother. He loved his wife into the afterlife and his memory will endure with those of us left behind. Until we meet on the other side Brother |
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| BGBB Brother Hollywood GBNF |
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| Charles "Hollywood” Shumaker Jr.
April 15, 1954 – June 18, 2024 |
| A life larger than his brim Brother and BGBB Founder Hollywood was a man of many passions, talents and skills. Chip had more stories than Hollywood and was larger than this life. He was a decorated law enforcement officer, a bronc and bull rider, bull fighter, movie actor, reenactor, entrepreneur, master instructor diver, pilot, published writer, MC club officer, and many more talents. He was a committed Husband, Father and Brother. Chip lived as many stories as he told and wore more hats than anyone I've ever known. Write the next chapter and star in the next show Brother! |
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| BGBB Brother Chief GBNF |
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| David “Chief” Nelson
January 28, 1941 – February 11, 2024 |
| Lived to Ride, Rode to Live. Brother Chief served in the Air Force and the Army, retiring as Chief Warrant Officer 2. He was a very accomplished and respected member of the Iron Butt Association among many other motorcycling communities around the nation. He was the inspiration for many ride long distances and document their accomplishments. He survived multiple deer attacks and other calamities while riding and never lost the desire and resolve to keep ticking off miles on two wheels. He absolutely epitomized the “Live to ride, Ride to live” philosophy. Chief will be missed, the stories of his exploits remembers and accomplishments well documented. Until we meet on the road again Brother |
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| BGBB Sister Lady J GBNF |
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| Dixie "Lady J" Gainer
March 03, 1946 - December 1, 2019 |
| A lady, a biker, a friend, a true sister. These are only a few words that describe Lady J. She was a true spirit that has touched many lives over the years, a person that could laugh with you, or at you and even share a tear when emotions called. She could ride as good as anybody, be it man or woman. Her biker spirit started back in the San Fernando Valley of California. Eventually moving to the Las Vegas area. Over the years she has overcome many obstacles, life can be hard at times but, she always prevailed. She finally met Richard, a retired schoolteacher from Canada and she relocated there. The love they shared was special. Marrying a man that wanted to share her interest but couldn’t ride a bicycle so, she taught him how to ride. He eventually acquired his own motorcycle and they shared many mile riding together. Health issues eventually put a damper on their riding. When she became ill, she kept a positive attitude on life even knowing what the outcome would be. A true fighter, a true spirit and a true sister. You will be missed. Rest in Peace. |
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| BGBB Brother Road Hog GBNF |
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| November 20, 1942 - May 1, 2019 |
| A Brothers Memory In memory of Brother Pat "Road Hog" Patterson 1942 November 20 - 2019 May 1 When I first got to the BGBB-forum, Road Hog was one of the first that welcomed me, he later on was the Brother that contacted me thru email that I was voted in as Support member, an' February 2004 he called me and told me I was voted in as Full Member of the Brotherhood. No need to say, I was VERY proud to become a Full Member, but also VERY proud and honored that Road Hog called me. Later on during 2004 I made my first journey to U.S. and I stayed a while at Brother Bigdaddy’s place in Southern Louisiana. One of the day's there, Bigdaddy and I went the 3hour trip to New Orleans area, and when we arrived at Brother Road Hogs place he and his wife Laura welcomed us, and after a while in the yard we went inside, and there was a big surprise, coz there sat Brother Wizzzard and Brother Sonny who as invited by Road Hog. The crew brought us to the famous Café de Monde where we were served coffee and a huge plate of their worldwide known beignets, very tasty square piece of dough, fried and covered with pile of powdered sugar. After that we were guided around in downtown NOLA and we get to see ALL the gems of the town. All the music and nightlife of all kind. Since that time I’ve been back and visit Road Hog during all my journeys except 2012 when the gathering was held in South Dakota, way too far from Louisiana. Each time Road Hog made sure that Wizzzard and Sonny was there, each time he took me to a diner with the funny name "Come Back Inn", and each time we ate their famous Po-Boy. Road Hog gave me the story behind the dish: French bread they would serve the unemployed workers out of the rear of their restaurant. When a worker came to get one, the cry would go up in the kitchen that “here comes another poor boy!” and the name was transferred to the sandwich, eventually becoming “po-boy” in common usage. Road Hog was older than me, 15years older, and a man of knowledge, yes, he told/learned me many things, he was, and you can call him my mentor in many ways. During the year's he and I had MANY conversations, thru phone/skype/and emails. He transferred a lot of knowledge and one thing that I transferred to him, which he always reminded me of was when I after the Katrina-tornado back in 2005, that tornado made a lot of damage to his and Laura’s house, so I started a collection around my Swedish-biker-friends, and when got with today’s value ~$1500 witch my bank transferred for free to Road Hog. And he forwarded photo-evidence of all the repair he did to their home, and the $$$'s from Sweden covered a tiny part of it. Road Hog was one of many Brothers, but to me he was a special Brother, a sponsor and a good friend. Road Hog, you parked your bike for the last time here, but…. I’m convinced that we'll meet in future on them other kinda roads…you are gone but definitely not forgotten. //Brother Albin <________________________________________________________________> Pat "Road Hog" Patterson R.I.P. |
| A Wife's Memory Yesterday I lost the best man I ever knew, John (Pat) “Road Hog” Patterson. He was my lover, my husband, my confidant, my rock, my sparring partner and most of all my friend. He could always make me laugh even in my darkest hours and he loved my giggle...something only a mother would find tolerable ...and my cooking which is pretty damn excellent. We could and did say anything to each other with no fear of reprisals or shame or lies or retribution in return. We were young and strong and beautiful and , in 48 years, became old , white haired and half blind and hard of hearing and wrinkled and worn and tired and cut and sewn back in many places but we made it through all the "times" good...sad...overjoyed..bad..scary..fearful..happy...hopeless...hopeful...deliriously happy...we made it through. Those of you that know us and knew him know what kind of man he was but dying slowly from fibro cystic disease was something that frightened him badly...he hated his new oxygen apparatus...hated that I kept bugging him to take pills, eat etc., etc...Hated being dependent.....so... when a heart attack took him instantaneously (I checked for signs of life after calling 911) I was so happy for him I thanked God and cried. He went the way he wanted to...quickly and at home and you can't beat that with a stick. Things are a bit unprepared and chaotic here but I am calm in the knowledge that he is with God, his Mom, Dad and Sister, best friends LJ and Larry, his many friends and Brothers and all the various Cats and Dogs that have gone before us (don't worry Baby....I will follow soon enough and I will bring the Poop Scooper and you will finally get to meet several members of my family too). Goodbye my Ol'Man, my Friend, my Love and the best sex I ever had. You were a great husband and a great Dad and Papa. I will miss you with all my being. I hope you have a Harley (or 2 or 3) up there! and King cake! Pat leaves behind many family members and friends. God Bless and Keep you all. Laura Patterson |
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| BGBB Brother Fossil Phil GBNF |
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| Phillip "Fossil Phil" Cataldo J.R.
October 03, 1942 - November 23, 2018 |
| A man built with heart from blood and sweat, just as his bikes were. His wisdom and presence will be missed by all. You have landed Brother, May it be all you could have dreamed of. Until we meet on the other side. |
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| BGBB Brother Wolftracs GBNF |
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| April 9, 1949 - July 30, 2018 |
| Tribute to Bob Dolan Robert Dolan was born April 9, 1949 in Nederland Colorado. In 1966, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 and served multiple tours in northern Vietnam with the brown water navy, under Naval Support Activity Danang. Patrolling the rivers and waterways of Vietnam, Bob served his country, performed his duties with honor and distinction. His patriotism, love of country, and commitment to serve his community continued to strive well after his honorable discharge in 1969. Although service in Vietnam left him with the agonizing effects of PTSD, he successfully served as a reserve police officer for a number of years, before committing his true passion to 30 years of training service and police dogs. Concurrent with his dedication to canine training, Bob also established and served as the first state captain for the Arizona Patriot Guard Riders; heading up a group of volunteers, dedicated to honoring the fallen and protecting the respect and dignity of the families left behind. As an avid biker, known to all as “Wolftracs”, Bob was also great cook, hosting many social events, barbecues, and warm, patriotic gatherings at home. Unfortunately however, Agent Orange also left Bob with a debilitating case of lymphatic cancer that he suffered under for nearly seven years. Undaunted by his own relentless battles with chemo treatment and constant trips to the VA, Bob established a website known as “Chemo Warriors”, where patients battling cancer could go to share their stories, worries, losses and even the victories over cancer. Though Chemo Warriors could never provide the cure so many needed, it did provide the comfort so many were looking for. Bob fought the hard fight for nearly 7 years; however, he succumbed to devastating effects of Agent Orange on July 30, 2018. Bob “Wolftracs” Dolan’s memory and legacy will continue to live on forever through the love, devotion, camaraderie, and patriotism he left behind. Rest in Peace Wolftracs. |
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| BGBB Brother Scooby GBNF |
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| Robert “Scooby” Bruce August 31, 1954 - May 1, 2018 |
| A Brother lost from this world but now walks in Heaven with our Brothers and our Father. Rest now Brother, enjoy the rides. |
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| BGBB Brother Mikey GBNF |
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| Mike “Mikey" Sexton February 17, 1953 - April 19, 2018 |
| An better example of what a man, a Brother and so much more shall seldom be found. We will miss you terribly and rejoice when we ride again. |
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| BGBB Brother Takoda GBNF |
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| James William “Takoda" Betts IV January 14, 1942 - April 10, 2018 |
| A Brother knows no end to their love for another. We had the fortune to share this bond and to witness it between you and Jeff, to the end. We will miss you and the ever present smile. Until we ride together again. |
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| BGBB Brother Wizzard GBNF |
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| Larry “Wizzard" Williams December 29, 1950 - November 29, 2017 |
| The Brotherhood has lost a true and loyal Brother. I have lost a great Brother and the closest thing to a blood Brother I've ever known.
Wizzard will be missed by all who knew him and will never be forgotten, the world was a better place because he was in it.
Rest in peace Brother Wizzard and may you ride with the angels till we meet again. Your friend and Brother, Roadhog |
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| BGBB Brother Sonny GBNF |
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| Walace "Sonny" Carney, Jr. July 14, 1954 - March 28, 2017 |
| Don't let me die once I'm dead. Tell my grandkids about me. Laugh back at memories. Teach them some of my ways I've instilled in you. Don't trash my clothes. Make a pillow, so you can see it Make a blanket and cover yourself in the warmth of knowing it's all that's left of the belongings to a soul that lived and breathed for you. Don't go to a cold grave to stare at stone, Print our pictures, hang them Sit them on a shelf or dresser so we can still see each other everyday. Talk to me sometimes still, I'll be listening Think about me, never let me fade from your memories or heart. Goodnight Cruel World...... |
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| BGBB Brother VStan GBNF |
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| Stan "VStan" Kroon December 2,1951 - July 5, 2016 |
| Rest in Peace, you will be missed. |
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| BGBB Brother Doc GBNF |
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| Allen "Doc" Rogers January 21, 1957 - March 8, 2016 |
| You've done the job the Lord had set for you and gone to see the one you told us about. Rest now Brother. A Doc Rogers Memorial Slideshow |
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| BGBB Brother HalfDeaf Jeff GBNF April 1954 - April 2015 |
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| Jeff Betts April 1954 - April 2015 |
| "This was our last earthly ride but we shall ride together again one day" -From his Blood Brother and our Brother Takoda- |
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| BGBB Sister Caz GBNF |
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| Caroline "Caz" Reed February 22, 1965 - December 2, 2015 |
| May you have found Peace and Joy on the Heavenly roads Sister. |
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| Brother Ed "Herper" Nied, Jr May 7, 1950 - November 7, 2013 |
| I came to the BGBB-forum 2000, using the road name Wildstar-Albin(albina), an' had to change that to thebaron (albinahlvin) since a visitor back then (FroggiDonna) thought i was a female, just coz i wrote albina….which should been albin a (a for ahlvin). Shortly after, in August -01, a man came to the forum as Herper….and here the story begin…. I was voted in as Full Member in February -04, and Herper a month later, in March -04. I started to make plans to visit U.S. already when i came in contact with the BGBB, an' planned to stop by in different areas. As you can read in another folder here on website, the plan finally included both southern, an' northeast area. After a lot of email-correspondence with different people, it ended up with a stop in New England, were Brother Herper very early reached out, and offered a shelter, (later known as "the albin residence"). So finally after a week's in the south, i arrived to Bradley Airport in Connecticut, where Brother Herper and Brother Greybeard (Jim Whitehead), witch first took me to a local pizza place, coz the thought i looked a bit skinny, an' thought that the southern boys haven't fed me with more than cajun-food…. After that we dropped Greybeard at his place and continued to Herpers place. Got introduced to wife Mary, witch took me to the kitchen and showed me the fridge. The reason was that they were VERY concerned of my eating-habits. Since i in one of the emails was asked what i liked to eat/drink, and replied that coffee, cheese, fruit and juice i could survive on, the fridge was filled with just that, cheese, fresh fruit and verities of fresh juice, for 4 people during 3 weeks….. an' i should stay 5 days….I did what i could, but there remained some of the stuff, in the fridge, coz i didn't want to disappoint them…this cheese/fruit/juice-thing we laughed MANY times about afterward. |
| During this visit Herper arranged SO many thing's for me. He borrowed a Honda Valcurie of a friend, so he could ride that, an' let me ride his own Yamaha V-star 1100, just to get around the insurance-problem. We rode MANY miles in the area, and he showed me A LOT of stuff and places, as Hogback mountain, Sugarloaf Mountain, let me meet the local bikers, local bike shop, visit the Indian museum, and not to forget, the arranged trip to White Mountain, where i were able to ride with Herper, Greybeard, run_in_bare, Ol' man of the Mountain, Lady of the Mountain and not to forget, the visitor, that after that meeting was voted in and became Full Member, Brother Windburn. We all met and rode the wonderful road's up in White Mountain, spend evening at "the Moose's Tale" a good restaurant, and stayed at a motel in Bethel, Maine, owned by the famous author, Steven King (at least back then) . They took me to a local diner for GREAT breakfast, (such diners we don't have back here in Sweden), an' also to mention, it was during this ride that Herper got his nickname "Spike", after that the bike hit a BIG nail on the road, witch ended up with a flat tire and hours of delay. |
| When i should leave Southampton, Mass, Herper and Mary arranged a limousine-transport all the way to Newark airport. As you understand, another hard, not goodbye, but see you soon, took part, and as you already understand, a very generous, warmhearted person arranged ALL this for me, a person that he NEVER met, just been in contact with thru internet…..this is SO remarkable… Few people I've met thru the year's acted like this (you know who you are), and these people have a special place in my heart. |
| Many email were written between us thru the year's in MANY different subjects, he had so many good input's to all kind of questions. |
| Herper also introduced me to the camera-world, in "his" room, he had 10'000 of photo's in all sizes, many different theme, but mostly animal/wildlife/nature, an' must say he was VERY talented. He gave me the opportunity to pick one, witch has a special place side/side were i sit by my computer. When i bought my first "real" camera, Ed was the first to tell me to take a class, learn the basic, to get most possible out of the camera, witch ended up with that i until today, passed 6 classes, many hours of education, new friends, a lot of fun, and most of all, a lot of knowledge, how to handle a camera, all this with a big thanks to Ed. |
| It took 'til summer of -06 when we were able to meet again, that was during the International Gathering in Eminence,Mo. Almost soon as Herper arrived, he should take off to Springfield,Mo to pick up Mary, and without question me and my Suzanne, rode the 300mile/5h round trip with him, and during that trip also shared a meal. Many hours spent with him, many good conversations, short said - quality time. |
| Next time we were able to meet F2F was during my journey 2010. During that long ride i met many Brothers and Sisters, i traveled more than 15'000miles thru 33 states during 50day's, but stopped a little week at Herpers and Marys home, so i was back again in the "albin residence". Again Herper arranged thing's for me during that visit, and must mention, that second day Brother Greybeard showed up, and i realized that he turned 70 that day…we celebrated with pizza at Hepers and Marys porch in the backside of the house. |
| To mention some great moments: We went to Middletown Connecticut to meet Brother imjoeriff, We went to Laconia Bike Week, were we met Brother Windburn and Sister Spiritdancer. We went to Smith&Wesson weapon-factory We went to visit "49" - Garry Lamothe - who restore Indian-bikes (a legend) We went to visit the Legion riders We went to meet Herpers biker-friends …..you got it….quality-time. |
| After a lot of email-conversation and phone calls, it was finally came to reality. In June of 2011, Herper and Mary arrived to Sweden, an' stayed 10 days with me and Suzanne. We showed then Scania (our area of southern Sweden), and were also able to spend some time with Brother Json and his wife Lotta. They took us for a guided historical tour of the town, and after that a visit to their home for a meal. |
| Herper rode Suzanne's Harley, and we visited a famous custom-bike-builder, a bike-night with 700bikes, 500 cars and some airplanes, also went to a National Park, so Herper could take part of our wildlife, and he sure did, actually HE showed US all kind of small critters, even snakes (in a VERY private situation). We also were able to visit castles and other historic buildings, and I'm sure they got a good view of of what our country have to offer. |
| Next part of this text take us to the 2012-journey. The reason for it was the International Gathering, this time in Custer, SD. Me and Suzanne arrived to Newark airport, and before we went to the gathering, we traveled north to a week's visit, in the New England area again. I were able to show the area i like, to my Suzanne. So one more time i were back and able to stop by at the Chelsea Royal Diner (started 1939), a trip over Hogback Mountain, the Butterfly house, well, all the great places in the area. |
| To sum this text up, i know him as an outstanding photographer, and also as a reputable professional, but most of his Connection to the motorcycle world. Ed never raised his voice, he always kept a low profile, but when he spoke, everybody listened. He had a great experience of Life, a huge knowledge, and always common sense. He saw things in a natural way, and his argument with >Think about it...!!! And when you gave it a second thought, he was right. Two ways to explain his dedication. |
| One is when he made a plan for the trip that Ed and I should make during May/June 2014. He and I should travel from his Place to Eminence, Mo and back, and during the trip we should travel the Blur Ridge Parkway. A regular person should send a description from Point A to Point B, not Ed, he sent me a folder with road numbers for the whole trip, places to eat, see, sleep and fill up Gas.. He did it "Ed-way", totally dedicated, totally detailed, no chance to misunderstand. |
| Second thing, Two years ago Ed picked up an old, well used motorcycle, in a bad condition. To describe it short, a regular person should need 2 years to get it in perfect condition. Ed, if he were able to finish the Project should need 5 years, and the board of Yamaha Motorcycle-company should be impressed because of the result should be even better than a brand-new that left the production, just because he did it the "Ed-way", with total dedication. That's the way Ed lived, if he started something, he didn't do it just to have it done, he did it his way, "The Ed-way". I'm proud to get a chance to know this man, he will be missed - VERY missed in my World, but as we used to say when we split up, it's not a farewell - it's a see you |
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| James Whitehead, Jr. 1939 - 2012 |
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James H. Whitehead, Jr. 73, of Springfield died Saturday, June 23, 2012 at Wingate of Springfield. James, son of Gladys H. (Barber) Whitehead of Mystic, CT and the late James H. Whitehead, Sr. was born in New London CT on June 16, 1939. Raised in Stonington, CT he graduated from Stonington High School. James was employed by American Saw of East Longmeadow as a machine operator for 28 years and retired in 2001. He has resided in Springfield for the past 46 years and was a communicant of St. Patrick's Church, Springfield. James was an avid reader, loved to dabble with numerous hobbies through the years, and until last year enjoyed riding his motorcycle. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Northeast Three Wheelers Motorcycle Club, and headed the Beat Management Team for the Springfield Police. James served his country with the United States Air Force and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 49 years, Maureen M. (Morrissette) Whitehead; his children; Captain James H. Whitehead III of the US Coast Guard and his wife Linda of Friendswood, TX, Christine A. Clippinger and her husband Michael of Kansas City, MO, Michael P. Whitehead and his wife Kimberley of Chicopee, Arthur D. Whitehead and his wife Rachel of Palmdale, CA, and Jennifer M. Whitehead of Chicopee; a brother, Robert E. Whitehead and his wife Mary of Central Village, CT; 12 grandchildren, Timothy, Joshua, James IV, Lindsay, Alexander, Chelsea, Ryan, Haley, Aiden, Emerson, Hunter, and Noah; and many nieces and nephews. Friends are asked to meet on Wednesday afternoon, June 27, 2012, at St. Patrick's Church, 1900 Allen Street, Springfield to celebrate the Liturgy of Christian Burial for James at 12:30 p.m. Rites of Committal and Interment will follow in the Chapel of the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main Street, Agawam, MA.
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