Francis Joseph Golden

Francis "Fran" Joseph Golden, 86, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025 at Los Robles Regional Medical Center in Thousand Oaks, CA.

Fran, son of Frank and Julia (Gabrys) Golden was born on June 12, 1939. He grew up in Superior, Wisconsin, where he attended Central High School, playing multiple sports. Fran attended Wisconsin State College - Superior and went on to commission as a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He married the love of his life, Maureen McGrath, shortly afterwards. Fran served honorably, stationed in Oklahoma and overseas in Germany. He attained the rank of Captain.

Fran worked for 3M in Minnesota and relocated with his wife and daughters to Camarillo, CA in 1977. He had a passion for Kawasaki Triples motorcycles, founding the national club in 1979, serving as club president, publishing its newsletter, and attending meetups. He and Maureen regularly attended mass at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Camarillo and were active members of the Pleasant Valley Chapter of the M.I. Hummel Club.

In 2001, after many years working in quality assurance, Fran retired to Tehachapi, CA. He spent much of his time there caring for and traveling with Maureen, playing with his dogs Rosie and Maddie, and working in his shop, building his collection of Kawasaki Triples motorcycles.

When Maureen passed away in 2017, Fran moved to Simi Valley, CA to live with his daughter Traci. He enjoyed walks, watching sports and political shows, and selling items on eBay. Ever the independent spirit, Fran briefly moved back to Tehachapi in 2019 before returning to his home in Simi Valley at the end of 2021. Fran lived a life worth living and is greatly missed.

He is survived by his daughters Sheryl Grant (Mark) and Traci Bucknor (Gladstone) as well as grandchildren Arden and Gavin.