Justin Thomas 'Coach' Myers, 21, died peacefully on Sunday, Oct. 14 after a long and courageous battle with an undiagnosed blood disease.
He was born to Rocky Myers and Michelle Waggoner and resided in Oakdale since age one. All of his scholastic years were spent in Oakdale schools. He graduated from Oakdale High School in 2009, where he spent two of those years competing on the OHS Academic Decathlon team. He was continuing with his college education, working on his degree in forensic psychology.
His life was filled with travels to the east coast; he lived in Texas for a short time; and traveled to Sweden where he created a family of friends he cherished. Through these experiences he touched and inspired many lives with his constant positive attitude, sense of humor, and belief that being good to everyone makes you a better person.
Despite his nine-year illness, he was determined to live an active life enjoying his passion for mountain biking, going on hikes with his friend Katie, and spending every chance he had with his broad group of friends. Spending time with his only sibling, Troy, was among his most cherished moments.
He loved golfing with his grandpa and his friend James, and spending time on the beach with his dogs. His very best friend was his dog Kora.
He and hundreds of friends and family celebrated at his "Make-A-Wish" ceremony where he received a restored 1969 Camaro. Receiving the Camaro and sharing the experience with all who loved him was one of his favorite life moments.
He is survived by his parents, Rocky Myers and Michelle Waggoner; brother, Troy Andersen; grandparents, Allen and Linda Waggoner of Modesto, Marsha Lucas of Santa Cruz, Patricia Myers of Santa Rosa; aunts and uncles, Kerry (Rex) Williams and family of Sebastopol, Allison Slade and family of Santa Barbara, Melani (Gregg) Oxley and family of Modesto, Renee Myers and family of Santa Rosa; and many loving relatives in Wisconsin.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Thomas Myers of Ukiah.
A celebration of life will be held in his honor at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4 at the Oakdale FES Hall, 190 N. Lee Ave., Oakdale.
Remembrances may be made in his name to the "Make-A-Wish" Foundation of Sacramento and Northeast California, 2800 Club Center Drive, Sacramento, CA 95835; or to the Justin Myers BMT Fund at any Bank of the West.
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
Oct. 24, 2012
He was born to Rocky Myers and Michelle Waggoner and resided in Oakdale since age one. All of his scholastic years were spent in Oakdale schools. He graduated from Oakdale High School in 2009, where he spent two of those years competing on the OHS Academic Decathlon team. He was continuing with his college education, working on his degree in forensic psychology.
His life was filled with travels to the east coast; he lived in Texas for a short time; and traveled to Sweden where he created a family of friends he cherished. Through these experiences he touched and inspired many lives with his constant positive attitude, sense of humor, and belief that being good to everyone makes you a better person.
Despite his nine-year illness, he was determined to live an active life enjoying his passion for mountain biking, going on hikes with his friend Katie, and spending every chance he had with his broad group of friends. Spending time with his only sibling, Troy, was among his most cherished moments.
He loved golfing with his grandpa and his friend James, and spending time on the beach with his dogs. His very best friend was his dog Kora.
He and hundreds of friends and family celebrated at his "Make-A-Wish" ceremony where he received a restored 1969 Camaro. Receiving the Camaro and sharing the experience with all who loved him was one of his favorite life moments.
He is survived by his parents, Rocky Myers and Michelle Waggoner; brother, Troy Andersen; grandparents, Allen and Linda Waggoner of Modesto, Marsha Lucas of Santa Cruz, Patricia Myers of Santa Rosa; aunts and uncles, Kerry (Rex) Williams and family of Sebastopol, Allison Slade and family of Santa Barbara, Melani (Gregg) Oxley and family of Modesto, Renee Myers and family of Santa Rosa; and many loving relatives in Wisconsin.
He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Thomas Myers of Ukiah.
A celebration of life will be held in his honor at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4 at the Oakdale FES Hall, 190 N. Lee Ave., Oakdale.
Remembrances may be made in his name to the "Make-A-Wish" Foundation of Sacramento and Northeast California, 2800 Club Center Drive, Sacramento, CA 95835; or to the Justin Myers BMT Fund at any Bank of the West.
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
Oct. 24, 2012
