John Christopher Gonzales

John Christopher Gonzales, 24, passed away unexpectedly on October 13, 2015 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Glendale, CA. John was born on May 20, 1991, the son of mother Vickie Mroski and father Juan Gonzales. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, friend and co-worker and will be deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to share his Earth Walk with him.

Where most babies enter this world crying and stressed with fists tightly clenched, mother Vickie Mroski recalls how peacefully John came to us: "His eyes were wide open and he was completely calm… just looking around taking it all in," she says. John came into this world curious, calm and without fear – and that's how he lived his life on Earth right up until his last day.

Born and raised in California, John was deeply inspired by nature and loved exploring. He lived a down-to-earth life and held experiences and relationships with much higher regard than material possessions. As a youth and an adult, he spent much of his time exploring the canyons and hiking trails of Southern and Central California with his younger sister Jennifer and his close friends, Zane, Noah and Jaron.

John was a creative thinker, an avid reader, a seasoned backpacker, and the guy you could turn to if you ever needed a good listener or a helping hand. He was very active, enjoyed bicycle riding, and was training to hike the Pacific Crest Trail. Born a water baby, John naturally loved to swim and was thrilled to dip in the icy waters of Lake Tahoe while on a road trip with his mother this past August.

As an adult, John developed a love for computers and was studying to become a mechanical engineer. "It's the technical aspect of having to troubleshoot and think creatively in order to solve a problem that draws me to computers," John wrote in a Universal Studios application essay. "I'm attracted to the ability to create something out of lifeless raw materials – something that amplifies our human experience." John loved the way computers could bring ideas to life and he hoped to one day work hands-on with electrical systems that control artificial intelligence (robotics), or aircraft (avionics).

John was taken from us much too soon, but the 24 years he spent with us were very full. John brought positivity and joy to everyone he encountered. His co-workers describe him as full of life. He was and always will be the glue that holds a large family together.

John is survived by his parents Vickie Mroski of Boise, ID, and Juan Gonzales of Glendale, CA; his step-father Ron Mroski; his brothers Brandon, Dustin and Jacob; and his sisters Meghan, Lauren, Jennifer, Katie, Stephanie, and Angelina. He also leaves his brothers- and sisters-in-law Katherine, Chelsea, William, Travis and Eddie; as well as several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his close friends Zane, Noah, Nelson, Brian and Sophia, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, CA, and by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Glendale, CA. The funeral for John Christopher Gonzales will be held on Thursday October 22, 2015 at The Church of Latter Day Saints: 1101 N. Central Ave., Glendale, CA, 91202. Services are to begin at 11:00am and will be followed with a burial processional service at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, CA: 1712 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale, CA, 91205.

During this time of sorrow, we ask that you remember all the joy that John brought into your life and into the life of those around you. We believe John is resting peacefully with our Father in Heaven now and that he is with us wishing his family and friends peace as he makes the transition from one world to the next. If you have a memory of John you'd like to share, we'd love to hear how John impacted your life in the Guestbook section of this memorial website.