Ed Savko, whose Rock Store on Mulholland Highway provided haven for bikers, dies

[simi_ed]

Sad news for bikers everywhere.  Ed made The Rock Store the LA version of the Brit pubs for us 'biker scum'.  
Godspeed Ed.

   
Ed Savko, whose Rock Store on Mulholland Highway provided haven for bikers, dies at 86
By Dana Bartholomew, Staff Writer LA Daily News
Posted:
   
DailyNews.com
The late actor Steve McQueen once convinced Ed Savko to buy a motorcycle for screaming hill climbs across the Malibu Hills.

But the patriarch of the Rock Store never took to two wheels. Instead, he and his wife Vern created the world's most famous gathering spot for motorcycles.

"He almost killed himself," said Vern Savko, 84, of Thousand Oaks. "He probably only rode one day."

Hundreds of motorcyclists from throughout Southern California descended Monday on the Mulholland Highway diner to celebrate the patriarch of all motorcycle hangouts.

Savko, who ran the Cornell diner with his wife since 1961, died April 2 of congestive heart failure. He was 86.

He was credited with helping Vern turn a sleepy country grocery into a Sunday pitstop for up to 1,000 thirsty motorcyclists on any Saturday or Sunday.

"Ed was a straight shooter," said Tony Martorelli, 52, of Moorpark, who has been riding the twisty highway for two decades, where Ed greeted motorcyclists from the parking lot. "He'd say, `That sonofabitch.' Absolutely good soul.

"He gave us all a place to gather, like a big family."

Edward John Savko was born Sept. 28, 1925, to Czech parents John and Mary Savko in the steel town of Homestead, Penn.

There was little he didn't do. During World War II, he served on the destroyer USS Waller in the Pacific.

He later drove a cab. Manned a milk truck. Then in 1947 he and his wife Veronica settled in Van Nuys, where he delivered bread from a Log Cabin truck.

One day he noticed the brown rock store on a dirt road in the hilly community of Cornell, and bought it. Business was so slow that Vern did her family ironing behind the counter.

"All day, if we made $25, we were doing well," said his son, Richard Savko, 61, of Monterey.

But soon McQueen rolled in on his famous Triumph, followed over the years by the likes of Jay Leno, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee, plus a virtual Who's Who of motorcycling.

The Rock Store, featured in scores of films and magazines, became a worldwide motorcycle destination. Or a place even to park a four-legged steed.

Ronald Reagan, who once lived in the Malibu Hills, would tie his horse out front before he became president. As a hobby, Ed once raised thoroughbred racehorses.

"(He) was my love. (He) was my whole life," said Vern, after her husband's funeral at St. Jude's Catholic Church in Westlake Village. "Sixty-five years tomorrow."

Bikers gathered beneath majestic oaks to celebrate the round-faced man with the infectious smile who played host to generations of riders.

On a flag-topped terrace hung a banner, "The Rock Store Family We Will Miss You Ed." "Rest in Peace, Ed," read one inscription. "Mulholland Highway won't be the same without you. Or, "Save a seat for me in the Rock Store in the sky."

Condolences poured in from France, Spain, Italy, Germany and beyond, family members said.

Out front were motorcycles that rarely park side to side, from low-slung Harley-Davidsons to sexy Ducatis to high-strung Japanese sport bikes.

"Boston has its `Cheers.' And we have the Rock Store," said writer Lisa Sonne, who grew up nearby.

And everyone had fond memories of Ed, who never discriminated no matter what you looked like, what you did or what kind of bike you rode.

"He was terrific," said Stan Duffy, 41, of Oxnard, who rode in on a 749 Ducati. "I came back (after three years) and Ed remembered me.

"To me, this is the epicenter of social motorcycling."

Edward Savko is survived by his wife Veronica; his daughter, Sandra Clark; his son Richard, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. His son, Edward Savko Jr., preceded him in death.



http://www.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_20368167/ed-savko-whose-rock-store-mulholland-highway-provided

[FJmonkey]

Another entry in the history books of motorcycling, R.I.P Ed Savko.

[ApriliaBill]

These were good people, I've been going up there since I was a kid, Ed and Fern were always sociable. I don't know if many people know that they've seen this place in many movies and just up the road is where they shoot most car commercials. You know Ed I'm up there all the time, hope to run into you sometime, I'm usually up early and gone before the knuckle draggers start showing up...

Anyway, sorry Ed has passed and I hope some yuppie F- doesn't buy the place and screw it up. I've been up and down that road more times than I can count, lots of good riding up there.....

[simi_ed]

Hi Bill, Yes Ed was a good guy. Always a smile and happy to see us, harley or racer type alike. 

According to some here, I'm already a knuckle dragger, so we may not be able to ever meet up there.  At the moment, the FJ is still not running, but soon I hope.  What are you riding?  I'd guess an Aprillia.

Keep an eye open for a red/white/silver FJ at the Rock Store and Stunt Rd.  Those are my haunts.

[ApriliaBill]

Hi Bill, Yes Ed was a good guy. Always a smile and happy to see us, harley or racer type alike. 

According to some here, I'm already a knuckle dragger, so we may not be able to ever meet up there.  At the moment, the FJ is still not running, but soon I hope.  What are you riding?  I'd guess an Aprillia.

Keep an eye open for a red/white/silver FJ at the Rock Store and Stunt Rd.  Those are my haunts.

I think I've actually seen your bike up there, I was up for awhile on an 80 XS850, had my 83 XJ900 up there a few months back, my Tuono, and recently mostly on my FJ600. Are you down to no bikes? If so, and you start getting cabin fever, head over to my pad and we'll get you a ride on something early on a Sunday. I have three bikes up now, I'm sure we can get you out for a morning.... I usually head up early 7ish, and get back early to get my chores done...