Veterans Ride to Honor Fallen Soldier

Tonight’s happy news comes in the form of the camaraderie Veterans have with one another while coming together to honor one of their own who recently passed. The group gathered Thursday morning in Oakley front of Starbucks for a final salute.

Family, friends, and members of the Warrior Watch Riders rode to Sacramento National Cemetery in Dixon California to support Jerry Collins whose uncle Bobby Johnston passed away April 11—he was a Vietnam Veteran and received his military honors.

According to Jerry Collins, this was not an escort mission, but rather a support mission which highlights the strong bond in the military community in East Contra Costa County.

Bobby (Jobber) Johnston
Nov. 4, 1948 ~ Apr. 11, 2014
Former Bay Area Resident

Bobby “Jobber” Johnston, age 65, of Loma Rica, passed away on April 11, 2014. He was born on November 4, 1948, in Oakland, California to Wayne and Myrtle Johnston. He served in the United States Army. Bobby was a Journeyman Plumber for 35 years and was a member of the United Association of Plumbers Local 159 in Martinez. He lived in Martinez and Pleasant Hill for most of his life until retiring to Loma Rica in 2005. Bobby was an avid fisherman and loved going on fishing trips to Mexico.

He was also a fan of the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco Giants. He enjoyed life to the fullest. For those of us who were lucky enough to know him and call him our friend, he enriched our lives by taking us along for the ride.

Bobby is survived by his loving wife, Gayle Johnston; daughters: Teresa Stephens and Catherine (Mike) Gissell; and his beloved granddaughter: Lainey Gissell. He was preceded in death by his parents and his 3 sisters and one brother.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 17, at 9:30 a.m. at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, in Dixon, CA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bobby’s name to Sutter North Hospice, 969 Plumas Street, Suite 207, Yuba City, CA 95991. Sierra View Mortuary is assisting the family with the arrangements.