Joel C. Peterson

Born January 30, 1984, in Redlands passed away May 29, 2010 in Highland from injuries received in a motorcycle accident. He was a kind, gentle, vibrant soul loved by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. He leaves behind his father Jeff (Julia) Peterson of San Bernardino, mother Jan (Lon) Schelin of Yucaipa, brother Jeffrey II (Genene) Peterson of San Bernardino, sister Jessica (David) Moran of Fountain Valley, stepbrother Jason (Lynette) Vaughan of Orange, stepsister Sandra (Bill) Taylor of Bellflower. He also leaves behind his many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who loved him very much.

Joel grew up in Yucaipa and attended Dunlap Elementary School, Park View Middle School and graduated from Yucaipa High School in 2002 . He played little league baseball for the Marlins and Dodgers of the Yucaipa National Little League where he made many friends including his close pal Eric Parnell.

Joel was an accomplished golfer who could shoot in the 80s even though he only played two or three times a year. One of Joel's favorite pastimes was playing computer games with his friends including, Scott Gustaffson, Steven Gustaffson, Landy Foster, Zach Sabo, Justin Kenny and David Bethel. That time well spent resulted in Joel becoming an expert at W.O.W. He was especially proud to have been the best man at Scott's wedding.

It was always special for Joel when he could attend one of his brother Jeff's music shows where he often assisted with the transportation and setup of the equipment. He liked to hang out at his brother's house where he enjoyed spending time with Jeff, Genene, Ava, Layne and their many friends.

His favorite motorhome outings included his mom, stepdad, sister and her family where they would ride off road vehicles or root for their favorite NASCAR drivers.

He thoroughly enjoyed spending Christmas Eves with Gary and Gina Schelin and the rest of the Schelin family. The Peterson family always looked forward to having Joel over on Christmas day where he was an eager participant in the ping pong competition and other games.

Late in his life he took up ice hockey with his childhood friend Anthony Brugnano and played in adult hockey leagues for the Flyers at the Ice Town rink in Riverside. He had the honor of being the best man at Anthony's wedding. He was passionate about hockey, becoming an avid fan of the LA Kings. His dad and stepmom's favorite memories include the many times they sat down with Joel for lunch at Baker's on the boulevard after watching him play hockey.

Joel and Jessica were especially close and were known for always “having each others back.” Joel worked for his brother-in-law Dave at Pacific View Construction in Fountain Valley. He was thankful to Dave and his sister for providing him the opportunity to learn about the construction industry. He loved his sister and her family and had become a very special “Uncle” to her children, Carson and Kaydence. He was a hard worker, who with Dave's guidance, was rapidly learning the ins and outs of his trade.

Joel and his mom shared that special bond that often forms between a mother and her only son. He was always there for her and she fondly remembers the moral support he so lovingly provided in difficult times. One of his favorite sayings was “Madre, it will be OK.”

Joel's dad will forever cherish the memories of playing catch with his son, coaching him in little league, the Father/Son golf tournaments at “Waterman,” watching him play ice hockey, and sitting on the couch discussing whatever sport they were watching on TV.

All of us will try to numb the pain of losing Joel with the knowledge that we were blessed with the opportunity to have known and spent time with such a fine young man.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, June 5, 2010, at the Mountain View Mortuary, 570 E. Highland Ave. San Bernardino CA 92404.