Justin Jay Pankonin
Justin Jay Pankonin was born March 6, 1975, at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado. He passed away in Temecula, Calif. on Sept. 9, 2022 from COVID at the age of 47.
His parents, Nancy and Gilbert Pankonin, lost their first child during childbirth and Justin was a precious gift not taken for granted. Soon, Justin became not just a son, but an older brother to his sister, Danielle.
He was advanced as a child and learned his alphabet at only 16 months and was reading by the age of two.
The family of four then moved to Mesa, Ariz. where Justin attended the gifted program at Booker T. Washington Elementary School, ranked third in the nation for grade schools.
Justin again became a big brother when sister, Aimee, and brother, Casey, joined the family. He loved playing with them and was always carrying them around and taking care of them.
Justin not only excelled in school but in sports as well. He played soccer all through grade school and well into high school, competing at the championship level.
He also enjoyed basketball, football and skate boarding. He joined the Dobson High School football team but the family moved to Arvada, Colo. before he could play his first game.
After moving to Arvada, Justin pursued his love of horticulture. He fueled his love of plants by working at nurseries from the age of 16 and often poured himself into books on the subject well into the night.
In 1998, the family moved to Temecula. He later found himself working with his father in their horse breeding and racing ventures where Justin became a true equestrian.
Justin was a Christian, a believer in Jesus Christ, a follower of God, a son, a brother, and an uncle. He will be greatly missed by his friends, family and loved ones.
He is survived by his father, Gilbert, sister Danielle (husband Brian) Raines of Carlsbad, Calif., sister Aimee Pankonin and brother Casey (wife Tatiana) all of Temecula; nephew Robert Raines and niece Cassidy Raines. He was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy, and a stillborn sister.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 24 in Murrietta, Calif. Inurnment at Trinity Lutheran cemetery north of Grant will be held at a later date.