On June 29th, 2022, Ralph Hugh “Sonny” Barger Jr., a notorious outlaw biker, founder of the Hells Angels motorcycle club, author, and actor died after two battles with cancer. He survived the first battle, in which he was diagnosed with throat cancer caused by smoking. Doctors successfully cured this by removing his vocal cords and surgically inserting a hole for speaking. The second battle was with liver cancer this year. Not surviving, Sonny died peacefully at age 83 in his home in Livermore, California.
Upon his death, Sonny left a note to his faithful followers worldwide. “If you are reading this message, you’ll know that I’m gone. I’ve asked that this note be posted immediately after my passing. I’ve lived a long and good life filled with adventure. And I’ve had the privilege to be part of an amazing club. Although I’ve had a public persona for decades, I’ve mostly enjoyed special time with my club brothers, my family, and close friends. Please know that I passed peacefully after a brief battle with cancer. But also know that in the end, I was surrounded by what really matters: My wife, Zorana, as well as my loved ones. Keep your head up high, stay loyal, remain free, and always value honor.”
Throughout his life, Sonny wasn’t totally an outlaw. He was convicted of many crimes, such as killing a rival club in Kentucky, resulting in being sentenced to five years of prison. Otherwise, he was a famous star. Sonny authored and co-authored many books such as “Ridin’ High, Livin’ Free” (2002), which received many positive reviews and acting in just as many movies such as “Gimme Shelter”. He also was part of charity drives for children’s toys and clothes.
People may wonder why Sonny live his life partially as an outlaw. It was all because of his early life. His mother left him and his sister when he was four months old. His alcoholic father was a laborer at the docks and had no time to take care of his children, leaving them with their grandmother, whom Sonny despised. Through this rough childhood, Sonny was suspended from many schools for assaulting teachers and officially dropped out in high school. Joining the army with a forged birth certificate, Sonny was kicked out 14 months later. From then, he drifted from job to job, finding home in a motorcycle club in 1956: the Oakland Panthers. He then created his own team a year later: the Hells Angels.
The notorious group spread from just a small team of less than a hundred members to a whole army with thousands of recruits everywhere. The group was then split into different chapters, thriving in different places. Despite violating the law many times, the team was foundationally successful.
During his reign as the president of the Hells Angels, Sonny occasionally chose to live a period with his family. Some not ending up well. His first wife, Elsie Mae, died from a self-induced abortion. His second and third marriages all ended up in divorce. His lived with his fourth wife happily until his death. After all that drama Sonny went through, he gave up his presidency of the Hells Angels and settled down permanently. Sonny was mentally and physically strong to endure all those hardships. Rest in peace, Mr. Barger.
Upon his death, Sonny left a note to his faithful followers worldwide. “If you are reading this message, you’ll know that I’m gone. I’ve asked that this note be posted immediately after my passing. I’ve lived a long and good life filled with adventure. And I’ve had the privilege to be part of an amazing club. Although I’ve had a public persona for decades, I’ve mostly enjoyed special time with my club brothers, my family, and close friends. Please know that I passed peacefully after a brief battle with cancer. But also know that in the end, I was surrounded by what really matters: My wife, Zorana, as well as my loved ones. Keep your head up high, stay loyal, remain free, and always value honor.”
Throughout his life, Sonny wasn’t totally an outlaw. He was convicted of many crimes, such as killing a rival club in Kentucky, resulting in being sentenced to five years of prison. Otherwise, he was a famous star. Sonny authored and co-authored many books such as “Ridin’ High, Livin’ Free” (2002), which received many positive reviews and acting in just as many movies such as “Gimme Shelter”. He also was part of charity drives for children’s toys and clothes.
People may wonder why Sonny live his life partially as an outlaw. It was all because of his early life. His mother left him and his sister when he was four months old. His alcoholic father was a laborer at the docks and had no time to take care of his children, leaving them with their grandmother, whom Sonny despised. Through this rough childhood, Sonny was suspended from many schools for assaulting teachers and officially dropped out in high school. Joining the army with a forged birth certificate, Sonny was kicked out 14 months later. From then, he drifted from job to job, finding home in a motorcycle club in 1956: the Oakland Panthers. He then created his own team a year later: the Hells Angels.
The notorious group spread from just a small team of less than a hundred members to a whole army with thousands of recruits everywhere. The group was then split into different chapters, thriving in different places. Despite violating the law many times, the team was foundationally successful.
During his reign as the president of the Hells Angels, Sonny occasionally chose to live a period with his family. Some not ending up well. His first wife, Elsie Mae, died from a self-induced abortion. His second and third marriages all ended up in divorce. His lived with his fourth wife happily until his death. After all that drama Sonny went through, he gave up his presidency of the Hells Angels and settled down permanently. Sonny was mentally and physically strong to endure all those hardships. Rest in peace, Mr. Barger.
