We lost a great man today.

[isiahstites]

Today my neighbor (he lives a few blocks away) was killed on his BMW R1100S Boxercup Replica on the way to work. Paul Palika was a very seasoned rider with many many miles under his belt. If he could take the bike, regardless of distance he would take the bike. Just last summer he had a chance to go on a business trip to I believe Florida, the company offered to fly him, he took the his touring BMW.

Paul was an MSF instructor at Palomar College here in North County and also an instructor at the Street Master's (Demeshea was in his class) course at Willow. He loved to teach as much as he did ride. He was never to busy to stop what he was doing to help or teach a fellow rider.

I remember when I taught Cami how to ride, we would practice and practice. One day I took her to the DMV on a weekend to see if she could pass the skills test with no one there. She was nervous and was having a hard time, we packed it up and went home. Later we ran into Paul and he said he would teach her through the course at the college. We paid next to nothing for the course and Cami was taught by Paul the in's and out's of street riding.

Later after she had gone awhile without a bike we bought her, her dream bike. A HD Softail Deluxe, again she was nervous as this bike was bigger than anything she had ever ridden. We were in the street all geared up and getting ready to go for her first ride. Paul rode by and saw us (he rode past the house everyday) he pulled over and calmed her down and said follow me, they left and were gone a bit. He would pull over and coach her with advice and tips, she came back in tow with a huge smile.

The man had a wonderful ability to teach and connect with people and their riding needs.

I will surely miss the daily honks as he returns home from work and the occasional stops to shoot the breeze.

RIP Paul you left the world and the motorcycle community a better place.

Semper FI my friend

[isiahstites]

http://www.streetmasters.info/about_us/index.html



http://www.10news.com/news/27262205/detail.html



http://www.sandiego6.com/news/local/story/Oceanside-Motorcyclist-Killed-in-I-805-Crash-on/ZMaB9zGZhkKP0NIJbiJe0A.cspx



http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/mar/21/one-dead-crash-south-i-805/

[isiahstites]

:(:(

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r98/isiahstites/images.jpg


http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r98/isiahstites/archerandpaul1.jpg


http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r98/isiahstites/6b3lt869.jpg


http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r98/isiahstites/paul_palika.jpg

[isiahstites]

I realize I do not post here anymore, but I know Demeshea knew Paul so I felt it worthy of posting. Also he was a BMW enthusiast so there is a chance some of you knew Paul.

[JCsman]

Sounds like we lost a great ambassador for our sport. And I'm especially sorry you lost a friend, Scott.

RIP

[socalrob]

That is terrible news. I just don't understand how a driver losing control at 80mph in a driving rain storm is not cited.

[DarthRider]

Scotty, I am very sorry for the loss of your friend.
I read all the links as I always like to learn as much as I can when these things happen. It looks like he just never had a chance.
Paul sounds like a motorcyclist's motorcyclist and a great guy.
I know you will miss him.

Godspeed Paul...

[Tassie Devil]

Sorry to hear of this terrible accident Scott.
A good man killed needlessly...

JQ.

[demenshea]

He was a great instructor and a very fine human. I feel terrible about this horrid accident. It proves how random death can be, as he was as good a rider as could be, knew his bike and rode with vigilance. He will be greatly missed by the motorcycle community and his friends.

A gentle soul...Godspeed Paul

http://www.demenshea.com/moto/2010/4.19.10_streetmasters/IMG_3742.1.jpg

[1MPH]

:bncry:
Sorry for your loss Scott.
RIP Paul.

[Jaythro]

Dear Lord there was no getting out of that one

Rest In Peace Paul

.
.
.
.

[Dirty Doug]

Very sad indeed Scott. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family and friends. Seems the more I'm not riding the less I miss it when I hear about things like this.

Dirty Doug

[skinner]

Sorry for your loss you just never know, proves you should enjoy the day when you can.

[NakedRider]

My prayers are with his family and friends.

[Deans BMW]

Scott, what a shame for Pauls family and all his friends, RIP Paul.

Scott it is good to hear from you, but so sorry it had to be under such sad circumstances.

[panthercity]

Scott, my condolences. God Speed to Paul.

And to all the commentators on the news stories who used this opportunity to go on an anti-motorcycle rant, F YOU you ignorant anal sphincters!

[Sir Limpsalot]

Scott and Donna, I'm so very sorry for your loss.

Si.

[Moose]

Wish I had met Paul, I could have learned much from him. As motorcyclist we have a challenge don't we, attempting to anticipate the unknowable and unforgiving. I have a feeling Paul would have us not shy away from that challenge as we pursue our passion. Moose

[DarthRider]

As motorcyclist we have a challenge don't we, attempting to anticipate the unknowable and unforgiving. I have a feeling Paul would have us not shy away from that challenge as we pursue our passion.
Well said Moose, well said. I even think we owe him no less that that.

[vintagemxr]

To be honest I never know quite what to say about these things. If I'd only seen the picture of Paul smiling I'd have assumed he was a good guy. His smile says a lot about him. My old boss at VW was killed on his Moto Guzzi last month here in AZ and that one left me wondering too about the whys and what if's of a bad or fatal crash. I'm sure my old boss Bob, and Paul too, would just say "Sometimes it all goes wrong, no matter what." It's the darkest risk of riding that we all silently accept as a possible part of the ride. Ride sensibly, try harder to always be aware, master the fundamentals, and hope that when your time comes it's in a more peaceful way.

Rest in peace, Paul.

the other Doug

[DarthRider]

It's the part of riding that I just hate...when a guy who you just know "does it right" gets killed anyway.
I fervently believe that there are virtually no unavoidable accidents. But virtually is not 100%. Sometimes it just happens anyway.
Sometimes the best of riders makes a little error at the wrong time. We all do.
Sometimes we push the envelope too far, too often or take one too many small risks. And don't get away with it, that time.
I have no big point to make here, except maybe that I think we do owe it to Paul and Bob and the good guy from SJBMW who was killed a couple of years ago riding to Bonneville, whose name escapes me now. And my then best friend, 14 year old Charles who was killed "throwing" his paper route from a Cushman Eagle all those years ago. And all the others we could all name.
If their tragic deaths count for anything it's to serve as a reminder for us to to be extra vigilant - and smart - everytime we get on a bike.

[Deans BMW]

Again well said Dave.

Tim Johnson was the fellow from SJBMW that was killed less than two weeks after he road here for a visit at the MC B&B. A lady on her cell phone went into the oncomming lane and center punched Tim on cal Hwy 50. Would prolly of been equally fatal in a car as he was knocked off the road and tumbled down the side of a mountain.

[DarthRider]

Yes, Tim Johnson...I wasn't lucky to know Tim but I felt like he was a brother after reading his website, and all the good things his friends said about him.
Too many good people gone far too soon.

[Arby]

I'm sorry for the loss of your friend, Scott.

RB

[jamming]

Scott, I'm really sorry. Sounds like he was a kindred spirit to us all.

[isiahstites]

If anyone is interested or is going to be in the area it's shaping up to be a rather large send off for Paul.

From Paul's facebook page via his wife Liz.

Paul's service will be on Sunday April 3rd at 2pm at the Kindred Spirits Dog Training yard - the only place I can think of big enough. Plus we want dogs to attend. All Kindred Spirits dogs, Love on a Leash therapy dogs, and service dogs are invited. Plus, Paul would want people to be comfortable and casual. Wear motorcycle gear, jeans and T-shirts; don't dress in black! Please pass along this information to everyone who knew Paul. Thanks, Liz

The last twodays have been filled with thoughts of Paul and lots of replaying my own version of his accident in my head based on what I saw/read on the news.

Amazing the things you find out about people after they are gone. I found out Paul received a Purple Heart during one of his two tours in Vietnam. Also learned he had logged over 500,000 miles in his 45 years of riding.

I remembered today that another one of Paul's passions was that he was a Pastor and he loved to perform wedding ceremonies.

Rode to work today and yesterday, probably the slowest most cautious ride I have had in quite sometime. Pegs down of course.

I appreciate all of your comments.

[Deans BMW]

Take care Scotty, remember that tomorrow is promised to no one.

Thanks for keeping up posted.

[demenshea]

Scotty, I hope you can attend. I'll be going no where presently with the strorm we are having up north. I'll be celebrating what I knew of Paul and of what I am learning, thanks to you. Take care of yourself now, too.

[isiahstites]

I will be riding the Hayabusa to his service.

[socalrob]

I think the only way for Paul to have avoided the accident would to have not been riding that day. Because of his accident I have put the brakes on my bike commuting on our rare rain days here. This winter I have taken the bike on several rainy days just for the heck of it. Paul's accident reminded me that in SoCal the car accident rate goes up maybe 30 times that of a dry day. The chance of that affecting your ride goes up. So if riding a bike on SoCal freeways on dry days is an acceptable risk, is the risk times 30 still acceptable? I'm back to driving on wet days, and will leave the bike at work and take a truck home on wet evenings. A luxury many don't have, but since I do, might as well.

[Sir Limpsalot]

Rob, I can't say I blame you. Much better to be safe than sorry. Or worse..

[Deans BMW]

Rob, I would say that is a wise decision.

[socalrob]

One really tragic aspect of Paul's accident is that it seemingly had nothing to do with his riding his bike in a driving rainstorm. It wasn't because he had reduced traction or vision or anything else, it was because an idiot driver in what should have been a stable 4WD SUV was driving recklessly and lost control and T-Boned the concrete median wall right in front of Paul.

This is the exact problem riding in the rain here in SoCal. Folks here have little experience driving in the rain, and pretty much drive like the roads are dry whether they are or not. I was taking the bike on some rain days really just to build up the experience of riding in the wet, but damn, don't think I can trust my life to SoCal drivers in the rain.

[Moose]

Two combat tours in Viet Nam, awarded Purple Heart for injuries suffered during combat operations......... Paul was a national hero. Nothing less. We're fortunate to have had him as part of our community sharing our passion. My personal thanks to those here at the Cafe who plan to attend his memorial. Just wish I could be there. Moose

[isiahstites]

Two combat tours in Viet Nam, awarded Purple Heart for injuries suffered during combat operations......... Paul was a national hero. Nothing less. We're fortunate to have had him as part of our community sharing our passion. My personal thanks to those here at the Cafe who plan to attend his memorial. Just wish I could be there. Moose

Paul was many things, a Vietnam war veteran (Marine Corps), a husband, a motorcycle instructor, a dog trainer, a pastor and among many other things a great friend.

Paul was an amazing person who was very humble and had an amazing way of teaching you something without you even knowing he was teaching you.

RIP my friend you are loved and missed.

[Ed K]

Very sorry to read this Scott.

[Sir Limpsalot]

" my friend you are loved and missed".

The same goes for you, Scott, here at the cafe. Although I accept this might not be the best time to bring it up.

[SV Andy]

Scott, sorry for your loss take care Andy.

[isiahstites]

Short update..........

From Pauls wife, it's shaping up to be what appears to be a large get together.

I have seen threads similar to mine on no less than 6 or 7 forums and all of them are well over 100 posts each.

The man touched the lives of many and left this world a better place.

Liz Palika
Plans have been taking shape for Paul's memorial and the love that has been shown is - well, words don't describe it adequately. Motorcycle rides in, the Patriot Guard, dog people, service dogs, Marines, Navy, Vietnam Vets and Iraq and Afghan vets - I am overwhelmed. We're barely planning this now; it has a life of its own.

[isiahstites]

Hey guys here is the post I put up on Pashnit, if you could please spread to word to your other forums I would greatly appreciate your efforts.

Good evening everyone my name is Scott Stites I was a friend of Paul's. We lived in the same neighborhood and he passed by my home everyday on his way home from work. Often he would stop and we would chit chat. Paul and I shared several of the same passions (Marine Corps - Motorcycling - BMW's) and become good friends over the course of 7-8 years. Paul taught my wife the in's and out's of motorcycling at Palomar College and a couple of one on one sessions in are neighborhood.

All week I have felt like I wanted to do something in Paul's memory as my wife and I respected him so much as a man, a Marine and as a motorcycle instructor.

This evening I got permission from Paul's wife Liz to move forward with my idea. I want to get Paul a paver at the Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California. It would be a memorial so to speak so that all of the people that Paul touched in the motorcycle community could visit him and pay their respects while at the raceway.

I have also told Liz that anything over the price of the paver would go directly to her or to her organization Kindred Spirits. Liz has agreed to sit down with me once the funds have been raised to determine exactly what will go on the paver. I would like to get Paul the big paver (12x12) and also get Liz the replica. This comes at a cost of $600.

Please cut and paste this and put it on all of your motorcycle forums. Make sure when the money is sent that it is sent as a donation. Otherwise paypal will take a portion (3-4%) as a fee.

Paypal address is stites@cox.net

http://www.mazdaraceway.com/pages/LSFund-steps

http://www.lagunasecaracewayfund.org/steps_to_corkscrew.html

Thank you,
Scott Stites


http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r98/isiahstites/Corkscrew_Terrace.jpg


http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r98/isiahstites/Big_Brick.jpg

[isiahstites]

Thank you to FryDaddy for his generous donation.

[isiahstites]

From the Patriot Guard website



It is with a heavy heart that we post this mission for the loss of one our fellow Patriot Guard Riders.

Paul Palika was killed while riding his motorcycle to work on 21 Mar on rain soaked I-805 in San Diego.
Paul's family, friends and fellow riders have ask the Patriot Guard Riders to help in a memorial ride, escort and memorial service for this hero.

Paul couldn't wait to join the Marine Corps when he was a kid. He served 2 tours in Vietnam. Not because he was so gung ho by then, but because he felt guilty that his buddies were still over there. He was never naive about his country, with all it's faults and failings, but he had a deep love for it and was as proud an American as you would ever meet. Paul was currently working as the Safety Officer for Naval Special Warfare (Navy Seals).

Among the many accolades that Gunny Palika received in civilian life, he was also a very decorated Marine receiving the following commendations and awards:

The Purple Heart
National Defense Medal
Navy Unit Citation
Vietnam Service Medal
Meritorious Unit Citation
Combat Action Ribbon
Good Conduct Medal
Sea Service Ribbon
Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V
Rifle Expert 13 times
Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal
Pistol Expert 3 times
Humanitarian Service Medal

Besides being a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, Paul was also an instructor for Street Masters, Iron Butt Association member (with over 500,000 miles), BMW Motorcycle Owners Club, MSF instructor and an ordained minister. He was also very active with therapy dogs (his own was Archer) and worked with the wounded warriors through the V.A. Paul will always be remembered for his kindness and the guiding light he gave to many.

An old friend of Paul said, Gunny Palika was an example of what a Marine should be, he was an example of what a MAN should be. Confident yet dignified, strong and powerful yet with a gentleness and soothing way that defined what we came to understand as the "Peaceful Warrior"

Paul is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Liz, his daughter Karen, son in law Shannon and his granddaughters Tori, Kristin, Katilyn, Amie and the hundreds that he had touched over the years.

Your mission is complete Gunny, may you rest in peace. I know you will show us the way when we arrive with you.

Semper Fi

Timetable for Sunday, 03 APR 11

1130 - Stage near 314 Harbor Dr, Oceanside,CA 92054 http://tinyurl.com/4oeeg2z The actual staging area is in a parking lot just after you go through the tunnel under the railroad tracks by Oceanside Harbor.
1200 - Mission briefing
1230 - KSU for an escort (11 miles) to, Kindred Spirits Dog Training facility, 3343 E. Vista Way, Vista, CA 92084 http://tinyurl.com/46ug6eg and flag line.
1400 - Memorial service and celebration of life.

This escort is for bikes only. If you would like to attend the memorial service in your (cage) car, please go directly to Kindred Spirits. We are expecting a lot of bikes for this ride, please be on time for the R/C meeting.

Here is the request from the host of the memorial, Kindred Spirits:

Bring a chair, a dish to share (if possible) and please carpool if driving a cage. This ceremony is open to the public and parking is limited. Your well-behaved dogs are also welcome.

[Donson]

Scott, My deepest sympathies for the loss of Your Friend. A loss for All of Us, from what I have read of Him.

[Pacific]

Scott,

Thank you for honoring your friend on the board. He was a worthy reminder to all of us of how to live life fully.

Jay

[isiahstites]

Here is an article in yesterdays paper about Paul and the man he was. His service is today and it's quite strange there in an excitement in air to celebrate this mans life. Unlike any other feeling I have felt going to a service.

http://www.nctimes.com/news/local/columnists/inperson/article_bd7cdada-7460-57ca-b78f-2b84c5f1f899.html

[isiahstites]

From Paul's wife Liz

Even though today was my husband Paul's Memorial, it was one of the most wonderful days of my life. Although those two things may seem to be contradictions they really aren't.



Paul's biggest strength was that he liked people; he genuinely liked and cared about people. He never met a stranger and after talking to him, everyone walked away a friend. He always said, "I'll see you later, my friend."



Today 500 to 600 people from all walks of life gathered at the Kindred Spirits Dog Training yard to honor Paul.



The processsion began with a line of 300 motorcycles lead by the Patriot Guard. Do you know that 300 motorcycles is a three mile long parade? As they turned the corner to the training yard there were Harleys, BMWs, sport bikes, and even a couple of Vespas! The roar was amazing!



Then the Patriot Guard formed a flag line into the yard. My brother in law, Dan, carried Paul's ashes in.



Lauren Seals, a very good friend, performed a touching, heartfelt ceremony. I know she worried about being able to hold back the tears but she did a great job. Several people talked about Paul, how they knew him, what he meant to them. His karate instructor, several motorcycle safety friends, co-workers, my sister, and more. They were heartfelt and touching - a few tears were shed - but most also shared a laugh.



Then we had food, time to visit and share stories, and I got more hugs than I've ever had in my life.



This discription sounds very simple, though. But it really wasn't. To me it was so amazing because of the variety of people who attended. Bikers, motorcycle safety instructors, therapy dogs and their handlers, service dogs and their handlers, Kindred Spirits class students, Marines, Navy SEALS, co-workers, Vietnam veterans, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, friends, neighbors, and so many more.



A local resturant brought food at no charge. Starbucks brought coffee and all the fixings. People brought food, chairs, and tables, and potluck. People came early to set up and stayed late to clean up. People made buttons with Archer and Paul's photo - the one taken by Gina Spadafori - and made patches with Paul's name, the Marine Corps emblem, and "Will not be forgotten' on them.



I also have so many people to thank and cannot thank them all - primarily because so many people pitched in to help that I don't know who all did what!Again, the kindness of people is overwhelming.



When we watch the news, sometimes this world seems like a pretty sad place. But the past two weeks and especially today I know that the news doesn't show a real vision of this world at all. People are really kind, caring, and generous. And I thank you all

[Sir Limpsalot]

Thanks for that Scott. It seems like a pretty amazing fellow got the send off he deserved.

[vintagemxr]

Scott, thanks for posting all the info and stories about Paul and especially his wife's thoughts. It sounds like she's doing ok, a strong woman. She must be someone very special too. You guys that were friends of Paul's have made her burden a little lighter and I'm sure he'd be extremely grateful.

Doug

[isiahstites]

This will be my last post on this subject, however I will never forget Paul.

Thanks to this board for all your comments and support. Whether you know it or it not you guys/girls are great and it helped.

Also thanks to this board I am close to buying Laguna Seca Paver/Brick and am currenty sitting at about $375 of the $600 needed. Liz is very excited about the paver.

So in closing here are a few pics, thanks again!

A sea of bikes, I think the final numbers were 300 +/-
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r98/isiahstites/IMAG0261.jpg


All walks of life at this ceremony, however the HD crowd took the cake hands down.

http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r98/isiahstites/IMAG0263.jpg


http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r98/isiahstites/IMAG0264.jpg


http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r98/isiahstites/IMAG0265.jpg


A tree in memory of Paul.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r98/isiahstites/IMAG0268.jpg


I can't remember the last time I saw this photo but I am pretty sure I took it at the LB show years ago. That is my old BMW, Paul loved to ride it and eventually bought an 04' and it served daily duty as a commuter along with his RT.

Liz said this was one of her favorite pictures of Paul and she proudly had it on display at the service.

RIP Paul Palika you touched the heart and souls of many. May your tank always be full and your highway in heaven be endless.
http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r98/isiahstites/IMAG0267.jpg

[Deans BMW]

Excellent

[DarthRider]

Good job Scotty...good job.

[isiahstites]

This is a replica of the paver/memorial that will be placed at Laguna Seca Raceway this month prior to the MotoGP races. The paver will be placed on the steps to the corkscrew.

This evening my friend Paul's (RIP) wife Liz came over to pick up the replica. It was great chatting with her about Paul and some of his mannerisms and what a great man he was.

Thank you to all those who donated to make this memorial possible!



http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r98/isiahstites/100_9485.jpg

[DarthRider]

Paul would be proud!

[1MPH]

Nice job Scott, well done.

[vintagemxr]

First class effort, Scott.

the other Doug

[Dirty Doug]

Scott,

You've done him proud. Good on you!!!!!

Dirty Doug

[JCsman]

Outstanding.

[NC HILLBILLY]

Sad....Very sad indeed. The motorcycle community will surly miss Paul. To have such a memorial speaks volumes for the man and fellow rider he was in life........Mark

[Arby]

What a nice tribute and memorial, Scott. You did good!

RB