David Lee Peterson

David L Peterson, 38, of Mentone, CA, passed away on 29 September after an 11 year battle with cancer. He was a Parole Agent for the State of California. David was born in 1972 in Clovis, NM. As part of a military family, he had moved frequently around the US and Panama while growing up. He graduated from the Rome, New York, Free Academy in 1991 and moved to Southern California s Inland Empire to attend Cal State University San Bernardino from 1991 to 1998, graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice. During that time, he took a year off from CSUSB to become a member of the inaugural class of the AmeriCorps program, where he worked with the Forrest Service on various projects in the San Bernardino Mountains. Because of David s determination to be self sufficient and pay for his college expenses, he worked part-time at Jack in the Box, U-Haul, SoCal Gas as a gas reader, and IESCO testing welds at refineries throughout his college years. After graduation, David volunteered to be an Associate Probation Officer for the County of San Bernardino in 1999. David was then accepted into the California Department of Corrections and attended the Corrections Officer Academy in late 1999. He subsequently was assigned to the Soledad Prison. Because of his cancer diagnosis, he received a humanitarian transfer to the Chino prison. After four years, David became a Parole Agent working out of various offices in Southern California. David was selected to be a member of the Fugitive Apprehension Team in 2007. Family, work, and public service were important aspects in David s life. He enjoyed being with his five nieces and nephews; refereeing for their AYSO soccer teams, helping with homework, or just being there for them. He also joined the Masonic Lodge in Redlands. His other family , his coworkers and long-time friends, were an important part of his life, on and off the job. The friendship and brotherhood of those fellow officers contributed to his love of the job. These coworkers got him interested in his latest passion motorcycling. He loved the freedom of riding. David is survived by his parents, Lee and Sue Peterson of Mentone, his brother Richard and sister-in-law Elaine of Phoenix, sister Christine of Yucaipa, and five nieces and nephews, MacKenzye, Cassidy, Ian, Seth, and Emma. David will be remembered for his positive attitude, loyalty, perseverance, and even his determination (stubbornness). A celebration of life is planned for October 22, 2011 at the Mill Creek Cattle Company, Mentone, CA, 1:00-4:00. A buffet will be served, with complimentary water, coffee, and iced tea (other beverages may be purchased at the bar). The family requests that people do not send flowers or contributions. RSVP with your name and how many will attend by Wednesday, October 12, 2011 to (909) 794-0731.