Armond Edward Bletcher

Armond Bletcher was born on November 14, 1942, in Alameda County, California, USA. His father, Edward E. Bletcher, was a decorated United States Navy veteran who served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. Edward's military service deeply influenced Armond's upbringing, instilling in him values of resilience and strength.

 

Standing somewhere between 6 foot 3 and 6 feet 8 inches tall and tipping the scales around 350 pounds, he faced relentless bullying due to his size, which had a lasting impact on his life. Determined to change his circumstances, Armond dedicated himself to weightlifting and reportedly used horse steroids to build his physique. This transformation from a bullied victim to a formidable force allowed him to confront his past tormentors and establish himself as a powerful figure.

 

Armond Bletcher’s prized motorcycle and car, ca. 1963

His reputation only grew as he became involved with the mafia and worked as a bodyguard for the legendary singer Frank Sinatra. These connections solidified his standing as a man not to be trifled with and added to his mystique. As a friend of the Fresno Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, and a feature favorite with the staff at Easyriders magazine, Armond was literally a giant among men and a controversial figure to this day.

 

1976 Easyriders magazine

Despite his tough exterior, family was always important to Armond. The values instilled in him by his father played a crucial role in shaping his character and the path he chose. Edward E. Bletcher's final resting place at Belmont Memorial Park in Fresno, California, serves as a poignant reminder of the lasting impact of family on Armond's life.

 

Armond flexing his bicep among his friends in an undated photo

His resilience and capacity to endure physical harm without flinching earned him immense respect from his peers. This unyielding toughness, combined with his steadfast loyalty, made him an influential force within the organization.

 

1976 Easyriders magazine

He tragically met his match at the wrong end of a .357 when a baseball bat beating couldn’t diffuse his anger, just pissed him off more. He was dead at 33 yrs old. Armond had allegedly gone after his cousins to “mess them up” when they refused to put him on their shop payroll, which he desperately needed to show an honest source of income while being investigated by the Feds for numerous illegal activities. Having his personal lifestyle and exploits plastered on the pages of Easyriders magazine probably didn’t help matters much.

 

Armond's gravesite at Belmont Memorial Park Fresno, Fresno County, California, USA

“Hell’s Angels love to fistfight. There’s never a shortage of drunks or fools willing to take us on, and a lot of times we’ll take on each other. Armond Bletcher stood 6″8″ and weighed 350 lbs. He was so strong he could pick up a couple motorcycles and put them on the back of a pickup truck. In the early 70's Armond could bench 705 lbs., but he had to arch his back to do it. He was never in competition, but he took steroids and was unbelievably big.” ~Ralph “Sonny” Barger

Snitch scared about HAMC member release from prison

Toronto, Ontario Canada (July 25, 2024) - A police snitch who helped put Dean Kelsie in prison says last week's decision to release the alleged former Hells Angels Motorcycle Club hitman on day parole is a mistake. Paul Derry, snitch, says he has known Dean since he was six years old, said this about his former friend. "He will kill again and that's not me being scared of anybody or any vendetta against Dean," Paul said in an interview with a local news source.

At a hearing on July 18, the Parole Board of Canada decided to release Dean, 50, on day parole for a period of six months. Dean is serving a life sentence for murder. He allegedly shot and killed Sean Simmons in the lobby of an apartment building in north-end Dartmouth, N.S., in October 2000. Three other men were also charged in the killing, which was allegedly ordered by a member of the Hells Angels MC who was upset that Simmons had an affair with his wife.

 

Neil Smith and Wayne James were sentenced to life in prison for their part in the murder. Steven Gareau had charges against him stayed in 2018. Dean was originally convicted of first-degree murder. After the decision was overturned on appeal and a new trial ordered, the Supreme Court of Canada refused a bid by Nova Scotia prosecutors to reinstate the first-degree murder conviction, instead substituting a conviction for the lesser charge of second-degree murder.

He was first granted day parole in 2021, and his release was reviewed every six months. But his release was suspended in January of this year and he was sent back to prison after he threatened a co-worker at the job he'd landed outside of prison.

Paul, snitch, after reading of Kelsie's release, said the decision could have grave consequences. "If the parole board continues to let Dean out on any kind of release, he is eventually going to kill somebody," Paul said. "He has not changed a bit. That's very apparent by everything you've watched over the last couple of years since his appeal, his last trial."

The board has imposed special conditions on Dean's release. They include that he abstain from drugs and alcohol, not associate with anyone with a criminal record, stay away from the Simmons family and take anger management training.

Paul, snitch, said life has been hard on his family. "Watching my family go through what they've gone through has been difficult," he said. "There's no end to this sentence. I mean, never mind the fact that you have to constantly think about the part you played in those things but you also have to look at what your family goes through because of what you do now, even if you've changed, it doesn't change the damage that's done and that continues to go on."

Bacchus MC members arrested for vehicle theft

Oakville, Ontario, Canada (July 25, 2024) - The Ontario Provincial Police Bike Enforcement Unit opened an investigation in June 2023 after receiving information that several members of the Bacchus Motorcycle Club were in possession of stolen vehicles. In November search warrants were executed in Burlington, Orangeville, Etobicoke, Hamilton, Mississauga, and Paradise, Newfoundland and Labrador as well as the Bacchus MC clubhouse in Oakville.

 

Police say they recovered six stolen and re-vinned vehicles, ownerships, insurance, key fobs and fraudulent VIN plates. “These vehicles are not only stolen for profit they are also used in the commission of other serious violent crimes, such as armed robberies, home invasions, serious assaults, shootings and homicides,” said Supt. Dave Costantini of the Halton Regional Police Service, which assisted the OPP in the investigation.

• Rober Janes, of Oakville has been charged with three counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 and two counts of fraudulent concealment.
• Chad Burtt, of Oakville has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, fraudulent concealment, and fraud over $5,000.
• Alam Miles, of Amaranth, Ont., has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

The accused are scheduled to appear in court in Orangeville on July 30.

Mask 1985 - Red's Funeral

This is one of the deleted scenes from the 1985 biker movie "Mask" showing Red's funeral.

 

This clip is where they bury him with his Harley.


Mask starred: Sam Elliott, Eric Stoltz, Harry Carey, Jr., Laura Dern, Dennis Burkley, and more.