After a battle with cancer, Sonny Barger has passed at 83 years old. A man with a truly varied life and no shortage of experiences, he was the founder of the Hells Angels as well as an actor, most modernly known for his role in Sons of Anarchy.
Fans and community members of his are remembering him by telling stories of his life, one that will be valued by many.
Barger, real name Ralph Hubert Barger, was the founder of the well-known biker gang Hells Angels as well as an actor on the show Sons of Anarchy.
The news was announced via his official Facebook page in a post that appeared to be written by the man himself.
"Please know that I passed peacefully after a brief battle with cancer."
In his post, he expresses that he believes he's had a good life, one that he got to spend with his "club brothers, my family, and close friends."
Though Hells Angels are considered a hate group in some capacity, many of the comments tell personal stories of experiences with Barger.
"I just want to say that Sonny did more than our politicians ever did for our communities. I for one will never forget that," reads the top comment under his post.
Though not an acting job, Barger featured in the 1970 documentary Gimme Shelter that covered The Rolling Stones' 1969 US tour. He was brought onto Sons of Anarchy in 2010, where he played Lenny "The Pimp" Janowitz.
He wrote an autobiography, a few novels, and even a series of children's stories called 'Lil' Bike Crew'.
He even made a cameo in a movie based off his novel 'Dead in Five Heartbeats' which released in 2013.
The previously-mentioned top mentioned told a story of Barger and the gang's presence, "I used to polish those chrome tail pipes when I was a kid to earn a few [bucks] for candy, school supplies, etc... kept me from going down a dark path. I know I wasn't the only kid on the block who you changed for the better."
"That said, Rest in paradise Sonny," the same comment continued, "May your family be reminded of your compassion, your kindness, and taking youths under your wing to better this decaying world. I'll never forget the club helping old ladies carry groceries, jump starting people's cars, and the occasional cleaning of the streets to get rid of the riff raff. Thanks for the great memories!"
Barger signed his own post, "Keep your head up high, stay loyal, remain free, and always value honor."
h/t: Pop Culture
