(Cross posted from
my thread in another forum)For any and all of you who were fortunate enough to meet' date=' know, or be trained by this wonderful man.........
Gawd I really don't like posting stuff like this:
Posted in the
North County Times (San Diego) today (Monday 03/21)-
A collision on a storm-soaked stretch of Interstate 805 in Clairemont Mesa killed a 60-year-old Oceanside man Monday morning, authorities said.
The man was identified as Paul Palika, according to the medical examiner's office. The crash occurred amid heavy rainfall shortly before 6 a.m., on I-805 near Balboa Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol.
A motorist traveling about 80 mph in the far left-hand southbound lane of the freeway encountered slow-moving traffic ahead of him near Balboa Avenue, causing him to lose control of his Lexus SUV, CHP Officer Allen Reyes said.
The Lexus slid to the right, struck a big rig and caromed back to the left across the roadway, crossing directly in the path of Palika's BMW motorcycle, Reyes said.
Authorities said the motorcycle struck the driver's side of the Lexus, ejecting the rider, who died at the scene.
The driver of the sport utility vehicle was not injured. Reyes said authorities had not decided whether the driver of the SUV would be cited in connection with the crash.
The southbound lanes of the freeway were closed for the investigation. All lanes were open again by just before 8:30 a.m., Reyes said.
For those of you who have taken this class and met this man, you are MUCH better for the experience; and I'm not just talking about Paul's motorcycle ability.
Former Gunnery Sergeant Paul Palika, USMC was a man's man. Vietnam Veteran, MSF Instructor, Iron Butt Rider, the list goes on and on but most escape me now.
Paul had the unique ability to converse with you on so many levels, when you finished
any conversation, you had learned something that you could take with you forever.
I had the privelege of being Paul's "room-mate" for most of the weekends that I shot photos at the Streetmasters classes in 2009 and 2010.
I got to know him very well and consider myself very lucky to have him call me a friend.
Rest In Peace Gunnery Sergeant, the world is a better place for having you in it !!
My condolences to the Palika and Streetmasters families......
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At the request of Walt & Nancy of Streetmasters - I am posting information on the "Celebration of Life" service for Paul:
April 3, 2011 - 2 PM
Kindred Spirits Dog Training facility
3343 E. Vista Way
Vista, CA
The training facility is located between Gopher Canyon and Highway 76.
Liz Palika wants this to be a big send off so please let everyone that knew Paul know about the service.
If you need a map or directions, please contact Walt Fulton at:
[email protected]
or
[email protected]
or click here:
https://streetmasters.info/paul/index.html
_________________________________________________________________
Just got notified of a pre-service Run by Paul's Brother-in-Law, Bob Stout (via Facebook) and I am posting this with his blessing...
My brother in law was killed Monday on his BMW on his way to work.
There is a memorial run, followed by a service on April 3 - Sunday. The run starts in the back parking lot of Oceanside Harbor (where the tour buses park) at 1200, kickstands up at 1230. Up the 76 to 3343 East Vista Way (Liz's Training field) where the service starts at 2:00.
Any and all are invited....... :2thumbsup
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UPDATE: If you would like to make a donation in Paul Palika’s memory, their service dog training center is a registered 501©3 organization.
Paul was very involved in the group.
Make checks out to Kindred Spirits Canine Education Center and send them to:
Terry Albert
14021 Earie Lane
Poway, CA 92064
You’ll receive a receipt for your tax deductible donation.
